Abstract
Background
The emotional nature of midwifery practice has been described by several researchers
and midwives have reported extremely high burnout levels. Burnout is dynamic and effects
individual midwives differently, depending on individual coping abilities and demographic
and contextual factors. However, midwives themselves can reduce burnout at an individual
level.
Aim
This study aimed to explore the concept of burnout with midwives and to ascertain
their perspectives on how burnout can be reduced. This paper presents findings in
relation to individual midwives’ responsibilities for the reduction of burnout.
Methods
This was a Participatory Action Research study. A total of 5 co-operative inquiry
meetings were held with practising midwives (n = 21) over a six-month period (October
2018 - March 2019), in a large, urban teaching maternity hospital in Ireland. Data
was analysed using Thematic Network Analysis.
Findings
Midwives explored in detail the emotional nature of midwifery practice and how this
contributes upon midwives’ burnout levels. Recommendations were made for individuals
to reduce their own burnout levels. These include self-awareness and basic self-care
skills. Some specific individual characteristics were suggested as increasing the
risk of burnout such as younger, less experienced midwives.
Conclusion and recommendations
Midwives require high levels of self-awareness to identify external demands, which
make them more susceptible to burnout, and utilise their own positive coping mechanisms.
Basic self-care is also necessary for midwife well-being. However, without commitment
from healthcare systems to reduce chronic excessive workload, burnout levels will
remain high, which impacts negatively on midwives and the women in their care.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 15, 2022
Accepted:
December 3,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 25,
2022
Received:
August 8,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
