Attitudes of student midwives caring for women with perinatal mental health problems

Aims: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of student midwives near completion of their midwifery training, in the care of women with mental health problems in the East end of London.
Method: In this exploratory study using qualitative methods, seven student midwives who were near completion of a BSc in midwifery were interviewed in small groups. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes were identified from the interviews: identification and assessment of women, asking women questions about perinatal health, using stereotypes in the care of women, caring for and responding to women with perinatal mental health problems.
Conclusion: These findings are helpful in informing more conclusive research on midwives’ training and practice in the care of women with perinatal mental health problems.

Published Online: September 29, 2014