Intuition as authoritative knowledge in midwifery and homebirth

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Midwifery Studies
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Authoritative knowledge, as defined by Jordan (1992, 1993), influences decision-making and actions.
• Traditional biomedical approaches often marginalize non-quantifiable knowledge sources in healthcare.
• Homebirth practices represent a context where alternative forms of knowledge may be prioritized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of "inner knowing" as a source of authoritative knowledge for midwives.
• To highlight the utilization and reliance on intuition in decision-making during homebirths.
• To examine the conflict between intuitive knowledge and the technomedical paradigm in childbirth.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing in-depth interviews.
• Data collected from 22 white, middle-class midwives in the United States.
• Interviews conducted between 1992 and 1993, focusing on their experiences and decision-making processes.

Main Results:

• Midwives identify "inner knowing" or intuition as a primary source of authoritative knowledge for homebirth.
• Despite competence in biomedical skills, midwives value and follow their intuition over strict protocols.
• This reliance on intuition is acknowledged as carrying cultural and legal risks within the technomedical system.

Conclusions:

• Intuition serves as a crucial, authoritative knowledge source for midwives in holistic homebirth care.
• The wider societal devaluation of intuitive thinking impacts the acceptance and validation of this knowledge.
• Further consideration of intuition's role is needed to bridge the gap between holistic and technomedical models of birth.