Midwifery Partnership between Midwives and Pregnant Women for Reducing Risk Factors of Preterm Birth

Abstract

Midwifery partnership is a concept of holistic and continuity of cares by focusing on women’s health needs. There are 6 concepts for working between pregnant women and midwives. (1) ‘trust and time’ are the beginning of collaborating and working. Trust develops over the time which elapses from early pregnancy through to about six weeks post-partum. (2) ‘equality and reciprocity’ figure the foundations of continuity of care. Equality in decision making with reciprocity is the way to achieve a sense of personal control. (3) ‘negotiation’ is also based on ‘equality and reciprocity’ between the midwife and the woman and this helps to build a good relationship. (4) ‘sharing power and responsibility’ help women to take responsibility for their own health care and they can detect health problems early, before they become serious. (5) ‘empowerment and emancipation’ aim to encourage women to understand their personal power, strengths, sense of autonomy and confidence. (6) ‘professional friendship’ is like professional relationship that is based on trust. The midwife is ‘present’ to the woman and supports her to be in control of decision-making. Midwifery partnership focuses on holistic and continuity of cares. Midwives encourage pregnant women to have empowerment and self-consciousness in health. These are able to reduce risk factors of preterm birth.