Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / Introduction High maternal, perinatal and under-five morbidity and mortality are some of the formidable development challenges in Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that worldwide, as many as 1500 women die every day due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth (WHO 2010). The partograph or partogram, an inexpensive tool, was designed by WHO to be used by midwives for decision-making during labour. Many studies conducted in and out of Africa reflect sub-optimal use of the partograph. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to describe the utilisation of the partograph by registered midwives working in the maternity sections of public hospitals in the uMgungundlovu District in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was used to describe the use of the partograph in the selected hospitals, and carried out in two phases. In phase one, 197 participants completed a questionnaire. In phase two, retrospective audits on 310 completed maternity records were done. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations and graphs. Results The results revealed that there were certain parameters that were given more focus when it came to correct and consistent recording, such as contractions (80.0%) and cervical dilatation (89%) whilst others were poorly done, such as the duration of labour (13.5%), pain relief (23.5%) and unrecorded partographs from the primary health care clinics and community health centres (80.8%).

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction Registered midwives are expected to practice their duties within the parameters of their scope of practice. Pregnant women have certain expectations about the midwife and their skills. If such expectations are not met, substandard care occurs. Such substandard care has a negative impact for both the pregnant woman and the Department of Health. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of midwives working in maternity units, concerning midwifery practice breakdown in maternity units at a public hospital in KZN. Methodology A qualitative research study that was exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 midwives. Data was transcribed verbatim then organised into codes. Results The study revealed that the majority of the participants faced practice breakdown almost daily and most of the midwifery practice breakdowns start during antenatal care visits. Midwives who attended to pregnant women during antenatal care did not follow set protocols and guidelines and this resulted in complications during delivery. Most midwives were emotionally stressed and did not wish to continue practicing midwifery. Midwives were of the opinion that the management did not care about their challenges and did nothing to resolve the challenges. / M