Midwifery managers' views about the use of complementary therapies in the maternity services

The burgeoning interest in complementary therapies (CTs) in the general population over the last decade has created a demand for CTs to be made available within the NHS. There are some excellent examples of midwives who have introduced CTs into clinical practice and who are providing an enhanced service to women as a result [Budd S. Moxibustion for breech presentation. Complement Therap Nurs Midwifery 2000; 6(4): 176-9; Tiran D. Complementary strategies in antenatal care. Complement Therap Nurs Midwifery 2001; 7: 19-24; Ager C. A complementary therapy clinic, making it work. RCM Midwives J 2002; 5(6): 198-200; Burns E, Blamey C, Ersser S, Lloyd AJ, Barnetsson L. The use of aromatherapy in intrapartum midwifery practice: an observational study. Oxford: OCHRAD; 1999]. Overall, however, service provision remains patchy and ad hoc with little evidence of a robust integration into the maternity services. This article presents the qualitative findings from a national survey of the heads of maternity services in England. They were asked to indicate their views and perceptions about the benefits, promoters and constrainers in relation to CT integration within the maternity services. Our findings show that overall, views are positive, with increasing consumer satisfaction, promotion of normal childbirth and a reduction in medical intervention being seen as the main benefits.