Midwifery Care Studies: A Reflexive Methodology for a Practice-Based Science

Area of Science:

• Midwifery research
• Feminist science studies
• Practice-based science

Background:

• Midwifery research is influenced by social, political, and historical contexts.
• Scientific practices co-produce realities in midwifery.
• Need for discipline-specific approaches in midwifery research.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce Midwifery Care Studies (MCS) as a novel, reflexive approach.
• Study midwifery as a practice-based science.
• Examine midwifery care on its own terms.

Main Methods:

• Inspired by feminist science studies.
• Utilized participatory methods.
• Examined midwifery care in practice.

Main Results:

• MCS shares sensitivities and response-abilities with everyday midwifery.
• Articulates "becoming-with" involving various actors and elements.
• Examines "goods" and "bads" in situated midwifery care.

Conclusions:

• MCS provides resources for engaging with lived realities of pregnancy and birth.
• Sensitive to ontological politics of care and research.
• Fosters generative engagements with diverse birthing experiences.