Midwives’ engagement with the media

Abstract

Historically, women have learned about childbirth from their mothers and sisters, and from seeing childbirth in the family or community. In the more recent past, women would have gone to books for advice. Today, we see that women are turning to media to learn about what the experience of childbirth is like. This poses an interesting dilemma for midwives who support mothers during their pregnancy. This chapter will discuss the findings from two closely linked research projects that speak to midwives about their experience with women who are allegedly influenced by the media in their decisions about childbirth. The chapter will explore how midwives understand their profession to be depicted in the media and will also explore how midwives engage with the media. We will provide some suggestions for midwives moving forward who wish to create more positive representations of childbirth and early labour in the media.