How does group antenatal care function within a caseload midwifery model? A critical ethnographic analysis

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Midwifery Care Models
• Group Antenatal Care

Background:

• Caseload midwifery and CenteringPregnancy™ (group antenatal care) are linked to improved maternal outcomes and satisfaction.
• Limited research exists on younger women's experiences with group antenatal care or combined caseload midwifery and group antenatal care models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of younger women receiving caseload midwifery within a setting that integrates group antenatal care.

Main Methods:

• A critical, focused ethnographic study was conducted in an Australian hospital and community setting (2011-2013).
• Data collection involved focus groups with young women (19-22 years) and caseload midwives, observations, and document analysis.
• Thematic analysis prioritized women's accounts, with comparative analysis of midwife data, field notes, and documents.

Main Results:

• The study focused on initial group encounters and interactions between young women, peers, and midwives.
• The group antenatal care setting appeared to reduce opportunities for developing rapport between women and their caseload midwives.

Conclusions:

• The findings challenge the integration of group antenatal care within caseload midwifery models.
• Further research is recommended to investigate the efficacy and experiences of this combined maternity care approach.