Thesis (M.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1985. / Typescript. Title from title screen (viewed Nov. 15, 2007). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-151). Online version of the print original.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1985. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-151).

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2006. Graduate Programme in Interdisciplinary Studies. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 257-265). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR29590

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 255-295).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 275-289).

Summary Background: In spite of caring being the core of midwifery and nursing, there is a constant public outcry about uncaring behaviours of midwives towards clients. Local media reports and recent discussion in the health system have highlighted the concerns regarding caring behaviours of midwives. Thus, there is a need to compare the meaning of caring from the perspectives of student midwives, midwives and educators. Aims: The aim of this article was to determine the meaning of caring from the perspectives of the undergraduate student midwives, the professional midwives, and the educators teaching midwifery in Tshwane. Setting: The study was conducted at healthcare institutions which the undergraduate student midwives attended for work integrated learning and at nursing education institutions in Tshwane, South Africa. Methods: The strategy was qualitative and exploratory in nature. The population comprised student midwives, professional midwives and educators. Purposive sampling was done. Focus group discussions were held with student midwives and professional midwives, whilst the naïve sketch form was used as data-collection instrument for educators. Content data analysis was done. The total sample realised was 38. Results: The findings revealed that ‘caring’ was taken to mean being well conversant, upto- date and proficient in the field of work as well as considerate and respectful to others. The professional midwives indicated that they have seen colleagues demonstrate uncaring behaviour whilst educators emphasised respect as caring. Conclusion: The student midwives, professional midwives and educators described caring as being a competent nurse with compassion and respect for others.

Midwifery care is often described as "woman-centred" and "empowering," yet the concrete or specific practices underlying this kind of care are not well understood. The study examined what midwives say and do in the process of care-giving during pregnancy, and how their care enhances clients' sense of personal competence and capability. Using qualitative methods, the researcher observed, recorded, transcribed and analyzed prenatal visits with nine midwives and their clients in Quebec birth centres. Findings revealed that relaxed conversation was a pivotal feature of the visits and primarily served the client's purposes. At multiple levels, the reciprocal, genuinely dialogic nature of the conversational process allowed the client to take charge and encouraged her to name her world. Educational aspects of care started with the client's agenda, assumed that she had expertise of her own, and affirmed that she could know and act for herself. The key characteristic of midwives' work was the communication of confidence in the essential normalcy of pregnancy and birth, and in the inherent strengths of women in these experiences.

Spirituality is a subject of growing interest and relevance in health care. Yet, very little research has been done relating to health and spirituality in general, and even less research specifically relating to midwifery, childbirth, and spirituality. The purpose of this study was to describe the essential structure of the lived experiences of midwives who said they have experienced the phenomenon of spirituality when they have attended childbirths. The research design was descriptive, using a transcendental phenomenological approach reflected in Clark Moustakas' model. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit the sample of 10 female certified nurse- midwives. The major findings of this study consisted of five Theme Categories: Belief in the Existence of a Higher Power, The Essence of Spirituality, Birth is Spiritual, The Essence of Midwifery, and Relationships. The results added new knowledge from the themes described in all five of the theme categories. The midwives interviewed for this study validate the assumption that spirituality is an integral and essential component of childbirth. The midwives described in detail, what the meaning of spirituality was for them, how they had experienced it, how it affected their personal lives, their practices, and their calling to midwifery. The midwives had experienced spirituality when attending childbirth, and used elements of spirituality as instruments that helped them to assist their patients. Spirituality also helped to foster the relationships between the midwives and the birthing families. The midwives revealed their dependence on spirituality and a belief in a Higher Being who guided their lives and their work as midwives.

Thesis (M Nursing)--University of South Australia, 1997

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2004. / Also held in print (185 leaves, 30 cm.) in Akoranga Theses Collection. (T 618.200993 EAR)