Although passionate about their jobs, the most challenging aspect for the midwives, was inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration.
The South African government implemented a compulsory one year community service strategy to address the shortage of human resources in the health sector since 1998. Medical practitioners (1999), dentists (2000) and pharmacists (2001) and other seven professional groups followed in 2003 and in July 2004.
Despite changes in politics, policies and emerging technologies, many women have little autonomy over the birthing process. Over the last decade, a gradual shift towards independent midwifery care services has emerged and needs to be researched.
Although passionate about their jobs, the most challenging aspect for the midwives, was inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration.
A collaborative practice of maternity obstetric unit midwives and private midwives was established in Johannesburg in 2006/2007 as a response to women’s requests for natural childbirth. The values and cultural practices of the private midwife differ from those of the maternity obstetric unit midwife which leads to conflict.
The therapeutic relationship between midwife and clients becomes adversely affected if the midwife is in conflict with the primary caregiver. Minimal research was found on the inter-professional relationship between midwives within the context of private midwifery care.
