ABSTRACT
Defining terms 36 Why use models and approaches in health promotion? 38 Applying health promotion models and approaches to midwifery care 38 Using health promotion models and approaches in midwifery 44 Summary of key points 47 References 47 Further reading 48
Health promotion is itself a contested field of study, partly because it is a very broad field of action, incorporating many professions such as medicine, public health, education and midwifery, to name but a few, and because its focus has changed over time. With its wide scope and the multitude of outside influences affecting health, the development of approaches and models in health promotion has become a necessity. Theoretical and practical models and approaches have been used in disciplines such as science, medicine and nursing for some time. Within midwifery their development and use has not been as rapid partly as a result of the claim that the unique and individual situations of pregnancy and childbirth do not lend themselves to categorization of women, their families or their needs. Midwives’ resistance may also be the result of our belief in our own autonomy as practitioners and in a more holistic approach to care. Most models used within midwifery have been adapted from nursing and medicine, which historically have illness as a starting point. However, if midwifery is to be viewed as a health-promoting activity, it may be that the health promotion models and approaches available can enhance the way that midwives deliver care. By the development of agreed research-based frameworks that have developed from a health stance, rather than an illness one, good practice may be standardized and prevent the labelling of women and their families. Within this chapter terms of reference are defined, and the approaches and models developed by Ewles and Simnett (2003), Downie et al. (1996) and Taylor (1990) explored and applied to health promotion within midwifery practice.
