Japanese midwives' education, and use of complementary therapies in practice: A qualitative study

Globally, women are the highest users of complementary therapies, often during the perinatal period [pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal time]. Midwives who provide care to women throughout the perinatal period need to have evidence-based knowledge of complementary therapies. There is a lack of research on why midwives are interested in learning about complementary therapies. The purpose of this research is to explore the experiences of Japanese midwives in undertaking professional development in complementary therapies. The study explored what the midwives learnt, how they used these therapies in their practice, and what strategies can help midwives implement these complementary therapies.

A qualitative study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with 15 Japanese midwives who had completed a certificate in complementary therapy. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Two themes were identified as reasons midwives undertook professional development in complementary therapies: supporting women during the perinatal period with complementary therapies, and factors that influence midwives to learn complementary therapies as a new skill. Strategies to address challenges in implementing complementary therapy into practice were identified as follows: Needing a supportive working environment and encouraging midwives to increase their knowledge and skills about complementary therapies.

Midwives in Japan undertook professional development in complementary therapy training as a new skill to support women in the perinatal period. Further research is warranted to assist midwives in implementing complementary therapies in practice by raising awareness of its evidence-based values among medical colleagues.