| Description |
The purpose of this project was to address misconceptions and provide accurate information about childbirth and midwifery services to a group of young women in Utah. The midwifery model of care has been shown to provide cost-effective and high quality healthcare that is associated with a reduction in unnecessary interventions, resulting in a decrease in maternal and infant morbidity. Among the many benefits associated with midwifery services are fewer cesarean sections, reduced maternal infections, increased spontaneous vaginal births, higher patient satisfaction, and increased breastfeeding rates. Despite this evidence, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are underutilized in the United States and only attended 7.6% of the births in 2012. This underutilization can be explained in part by the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as common misperceptions of midwives, such as the assumption that midwifery care refers to an out-of-hospital delivery and the belief that midwives lack the training, tools, and technologies for birth. In order to increase the use of midwifery services and ultimately improve birth outcomes and subsequent healthcare costs, accurate consumer education regarding midwifery care is essential. Consequently, this study aimed to reframe midwifery as a highly relevant option for women. The objectives for this project included the following: to assess perceptions of childbirth and midwifery care among a group of young women in Utah; to use components of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM's) Our Moment of Truth Campaign to teach participants to identify the role of a midwife, recognize birth as a physiologic event, and identify the midwifery model of care as a viable option for women's health needs; and to disseminate the findings of the project. The project identified common perceptions of childbirth and midwifery care among two young adult women's groups in Utah (n=30) through the use of a pretest. Participants' ideas and misconceptions were then addressed in a discussion and brief PowerPoint presentation. The presentation consisted of revised information provided by ACNM's national consumer campaign, known as Our Moment of Truth. Participants were educated about the normalcy of childbirth, as well as the education, scope of practice, and benefits associated with certified nurse-midwives. After this, participant comprehension and increased knowledge relating to midwifery care and childbirth were assessed through a post-test. The average score on the questionnaire improved 59% from pre to post presentation. Furthermore, the interest in obtaining midwifery services increased 63% following the presentation. Although a change in comprehension does not equate to a future decision to select midwifery care, this is a good indication that such care will at least be considered when selecting a health provider for birth or well-woman care. Project results and participant suggestions were shared with ACNM, along with proposed campaign improvement strategies. Approaches to enlarge the audience, achieve sustainability, and perform future research were also addressed. |
