Journal article
Space, place and the midwife: Exploring the relationship between the birth environment, neurobiology and midwifery practice
Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Vol.26(4), pp.277-281
12/2013
PMID: 24139678
Metrics
1 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
Background
Research indicates that midwives and their practice are influenced by space and place and that midwives practice differently in different places. It is possible that one mechanism through which space and place influence midwifery practice is via neurobiological responses such as the production and release of oxytocin, which can be triggered by experiences and perceptions of the physical environment.
Aim
To articulate the significance of space and place to midwifery and explore the relationship between the birth environment, neurobiology and midwifery practice.
Discussion
Quality midwifery care requires the facilitation of trusting social relationships and the provision of emotionally sensitive care to childbearing women. The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a critical role in human social and emotional behaviour by increasing trust, reducing stress and heightening empathy, reciprocity and generosity.
Principle conclusion
Through its role as a trigger for oxytocin release, the birth environment may play a direct role in the provision of quality midwifery care.
Details
- Title
- Space, place and the midwife: Exploring the relationship between the birth environment, neurobiology and midwifery practice
- Creators
- Athena Hammond - University of Technology SydneyMaralyn Foureur - University of Technology SydneyCaroline S. E. Homer - University of Technology SydneyDeborah Davis - University of Canberra
- Publication Details
- Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Vol.26(4), pp.277-281
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 5
- Grant note
- Australian Research Council
- Identifiers
- 991013154235102368
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2013 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article