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Sairey Gamp: generating fact from fiction
1Flinders University, School of Nursing, Bedford Park, Australia.
Nursing Inquiry
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Australian midwives are seeking to reclaim historical autonomy, moving from hospital-based roles back towards independent community midwifery. This shift requires understanding past societal forces that led to the institutionalization of childbirth.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Sociology of Health
- Midwifery Studies
Background:
- Modern Australian midwives are largely hospital-employed, specializing within medicalized obstetrics.
- Historically, Australian midwifery in the 19th/early 20th centuries was community-based and autonomous.
- Current efforts aim for professional accreditation of independent midwives to restore autonomy.
Discussion:
- The de-institutionalization of childbirth is complex, involving more than just accreditation.
- This paper investigates the historical denigration of community midwives' image by medical and nursing professions.
- Charles Dickens' character Sairey Gamp is examined as a tool in this historical denigration.
Key Insights:
- The societal shift towards institutionalized childbirth was influenced by negative portrayals of community midwives.
- Understanding historical influences is crucial for current debates on midwifery status.
- The medicalization of childbirth diminished the perceived value and autonomy of independent midwives.
Outlook:
- Reclaiming midwifery autonomy necessitates addressing historical perceptions and societal structures.
- Further research into the impact of media and professional narratives on healthcare roles is warranted.
- The findings offer insights into contemporary challenges faced by autonomous healthcare practitioners.