Culturally appropriate care to support maternal positions during the second stage of labour : midwives' perspectives in South Africa

Abstract

'Doing what the Romans do in Rome' was an expression raised by one of the midwives following workplace culture and disregarding women's birth choices. Midwifery practice in South Africa caters for a culturally diverse ethnic groups of childbearing women. Culturally appropriate care highlights the importance of including women in decision-making concerning their birth preferences including maternal positions during labour. Women's right to choose their maternal position and cultural preferences during labour has been overlooked, leading to poor maternal healthcare provision and negative birth experiences.