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Motherhood

and spirituality

Re-thinking Midwifery education and care

through the spiritual dimension of

humanity

Dr Josephine Attard

The women’s body as the portal between the spiritual realm and the physical realm

Global initiative to better the birth experience

UNICEF and WHO delegates agreed a

definition of the humanisation of childbirth;

A process of communication and caring between people leading to self-transformation and an understanding of the fundamental

SPIRIT OF LIFE and a sense of compassion for and with:

The universe, the spirit and natureOther people in the family, the community,

the country and the global societyOther people in the future as well as past

generations

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Better Births: Respect for the spirit of life

Better births initiatives

Safe Motherhood

Better spiritual births:

through education

Midwifery education that respects BIRTH and the RIGHT and RITE of Passage: SPIRITUAL MIDWIFERY is recognised as enhancing the quality of birth through woman-centred care, compassion and the spiritual presence of the midwife.

ATTARD (2015) study titled

‘THE DESIGN AND VALIDATION OF A FRAMEWORK OF

COMPETENCIES IN SPIRITUAL CARE FOR

NURSES AND MIDWIVES: A MODIFIED DELPHI STUDY’

The aim of this study is:To design and develop a valid and reliable framework of competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) in spiritual care to guide pre-registration nursing/midwifery education.

‘The design and validation of a framework of competencies in spiritual care for nurses and midwives: A modified Delphi study’A 3-Phase eclectic approach strategy using Mixed methods research approach

Phase 1

• DEVELOPMENT of competency framework through IDENTIFICATION and FORMULATION of competency domains and competency items in spiritual care utilising:

• LITERATURE REVIEW and FOCUS GROUPS.

Phase 2

• VALIDATION of competency domains and competency items utilising:

• A MODIFIED DELPHI STUDY.

Phase 3

• FORMULATION, EVALUATION and initial DISSEMINATION of competency framework:

• CONSULTATION PROCESS.

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Is aware of own spirituality/religiosity and the importance of not imposing own beliefs on clients

Respect, protect, and support normal physiology of pregnancy, labour and postnatal care keeping interventions to a minimum wherever possible.

Demonstrates openness to different cultures, adapting attitudes accordingly, whilst avoiding stereotypical assumptions.

Is knowledgeable in Loss and grief issues and demonstrates ability in dealing with existential questions

Competence 1: Learning outcomes

Addresses the ambiguities in defining spirituality/religiosity and spiritual careHighlights the positive relationships through the spiritual pathway of pregnancy and the sacredness of birth

Competence 2

INTRAPERSONAL SPIRITUALITY

Engages with person’s spirituality acknowledging their

unique spiritual and cultural worldviews, beliefs and practices

Competence 2: Learning outcomes

This competency addresses the midwife’s respect for the woman’s autonomous and diverse birth decisions/ choices influenced by religious/ spiritual beliefs.

Understands and communicates with clients through verbal and non verbal cues and ‘TRANCENDENT PRESENCE’

Safeguards clients’ privacy, safety and security guided by the ethical and legal code of conduct

Maintains clients’ dignity (self-esteem and self-respect ) and integrity

Respect right for information and informed consent to facilitate decision making regarding the woman’s care and birth choices

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Competence 3

Assessing and planning for spiritual care

Assesses for spiritual needs and resources using appropriate formal and informal approaches and plans spiritual care maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent when necessary

Competence 3 Learning outcomes

Addresses the need for midwives to identify and respond to the spiritual needs of women, delving through their inner self concerns and planning for care

Assess spiritual/religious needs using formal or inform tools by observing cues and listening to the woman’s life experiences

identify spiritual needs and coping resources, to restore spiritual integrity displayed through internal peace, acceptance.

Develop spiritual birthing environment demonstrating compassionate care to enhance positive birth experiences

Document and communicate spiritual/religious information while maintaining confidentiality to members of the multi- disciplinary team

Competence 4Addresses responding to the spiritual needs and resources of the couple by

forming trustful therapeutic midwife-client relationships while developing spiritual compassionate care skills

Midwife is welcoming, compassionate and accepting demonstrating empathy, openness and presence

Identifies, supports and responds to the couple’s coping resources

Acknowledge limitations and can delegate appropriate referral to members of the multi- disciplinary team in seeking additional spiritual support

Evaluate whether spiritual needs have been met through observing restored integrity displayed through internal peace, acceptance and restoration of meaningful behaviour

RE-THINKING MIDWIFERY EDUCATION AND CAREIMPROVING WOMEN’S CARE THROUGH :

ATTENTION TO THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION

• Focuses on the normality of pregnancy and in protecting, supporting and enhancing normal physiology of labour and postnatal care using

compassionate care skills.

• INVOLVING WOMEN IN THE PLANNING of their care providing women with

CHOICE – CONTROL- CONTINUITY throughout Pregnancy, birth and postnatal care.

Thank you for your attention