Athena Hammond1, Maralyn Foureur, Caroline S E Homer, Deborah Davis. 1. Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, Level 7, Building 10, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. Electronic address: athena.hammond@uts.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research indicates that midwives and their practice are influenced by space and place and that midwives practice differently in different places. It is possible that one mechanism through which space and place influence midwifery practice is via neurobiological responses such as the production and release of oxytocin, which can be triggered by experiences and perceptions of the physical environment. AIM: To articulate the significance of space and place to midwifery and explore the relationship between the birth environment, neurobiology and midwifery practice. DISCUSSION: Quality midwifery care requires the facilitation of trusting social relationships and the provision of emotionally sensitive care to childbearing women. The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a critical role in human social and emotional behaviour by increasing trust, reducing stress and heightening empathy, reciprocity and generosity. PRINCIPLE CONCLUSION: Through its role as a trigger for oxytocin release, the birth environment may play a direct role in the provision of quality midwifery care.
BACKGROUND: Research indicates that midwives and their practice are influenced by space and place and that midwives practice differently in different places. It is possible that one mechanism through which space and place influence midwifery practice is via neurobiological responses such as the production and release of oxytocin, which can be triggered by experiences and perceptions of the physical environment. AIM: To articulate the significance of space and place to midwifery and explore the relationship between the birth environment, neurobiology and midwifery practice. DISCUSSION: Quality midwifery care requires the facilitation of trusting social relationships and the provision of emotionally sensitive care to childbearing women. The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a critical role in human social and emotional behaviour by increasing trust, reducing stress and heightening empathy, reciprocity and generosity. PRINCIPLE CONCLUSION: Through its role as a trigger for oxytocin release, the birth environment may play a direct role in the provision of quality midwifery care.
Authors: Iben Prentow Lorentzen; Charlotte S Andersen; Henriette Svenstrup Jensen; Ann Fogsgaard; Maralyn Foureur; Finn Friis Lauszus; Ellen Aagaard Nohr Journal: Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X Date: 2021-03-13
Authors: Celia P Grigg; Sally K Tracy; Mark Tracy; Rea Daellenbach; Mary Kensington; Amy Monk; Virginia Schmied Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2017-08-29 Impact factor: 2.692