ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the theoretical constructs and influencing variables identified within midwifery abdication. It provides evidence of how midwifery abdication was enacted when a practising midwife was caring for a woman. The international validation of this influencing variable identified midwives feeling ‘powerless’ and ‘intimidated’ as a result of the medicalisation of childbirth, often characterised by frequent interventions. Externalised perceptions contribute to or influence internalised perceptions. One antecedent of externalised perceptions may be the environment within which a midwife undertook her midwifery education. Globally, many midwives and the women they work with experience a fragmented model of care, sometimes meeting each other for the first time during the birth. Midwives, in addition, need to be given the support and time to reflect safely and meaningfully and to develop skills which allow them to feel empowered to challenge appropriately and lead practice and culture changes.
