Revisiting our own professional identity in order to move midwifery forward in coherence

The midwife community of Québec, expressed the need to revisit the identity markers of the profession after been integrated for over twenty years into a medical and hospital-centered healthcare system. There was a need to identify meaningful concepts and principles that allow them to practice in coherence with their uniqueness and in continuity with their historical roots.

Qualitative research with a cooperative inquiry approach was chosen. A total of 65 midwives from various practice settings met during two days of reflection. Focus groups of parents (15) where added in order to enrich midwives' discussions.

Five themes emerged: the concept of becoming a mother as a process of transformation, the accompaniment of this process, the concept of giving birth, the professional posture, and distinctive aspects from the medical paradigm. Parents emphasized the importance of a family-centered approach, trusting relationship, choices, and continuity.

A reflective and collective process has allowed to reconnect with the meaning of being a midwife and practicing in coherence with its specificity. Some questions remained in relation to feminism, the spiritual dimension of birth and the community engagement. Moreover, the abundant use of the term 'physiology' for childbirth does not correspond to the richness of practice narratives and obscure the ineffable sacred character of birth. Midwives face the challenge of integration and inter-professionalism without losing parts of their autonomy and their professional voice. It would be appropriate to revisit the basic training program and examine the elements put in place to build and reinforce midwifery professional specific identity.