Jordemoderliv

Abstract

: In this article we examine the professional and cultural practices of Danish midwifes, and how these unfold in the governmental framework in which they exist. Inspired by the current public and political debate about poor working environment and staff defection within the national maternity wards, the WEA 1 guidelines on unclear and conflicting demands at work, and newer research into moral distress, we examine the different ways in which governmental management, professional autonomy and estimation practices collide and are managed by midwifes in their working life. We find that midwifes must navigate and balance governmental demands, professional and ethical core values. These different requests can, by the midwifes, be experienced as contradictory and at times professionally and ethically inexpedient. We find that what is experienced as contradictory or inexpedient, and what strategies are used to cope, vary according to what function the midwives carry and which core values they find to be central to their practice. However, the conflicting demands has the potential to challenge the midwifes on their professional and ethical core values in such a way, that some ultimately consider leaving the profession.