Introduction
The lack of diversity in the midwifery profession is a serious issue that requires practical analysis and addressing. The main explanation for this situation might lie in cultural and racial prejudices that are currently prevalent in the healthcare sphere. In most cases, these biases are unintentional, due to the prevalence of white workers.
Moreover, midwifery lacks a clear definition as a profession, which results in the development of various incorrect assumptions about the profession. This position is associated with low pay, so the benefits and positive impact of midwifery on the overall healthcare system are often overlooked. As a result, Asian, Black, and Minority Ethnic individuals, who are also called BAME, face significant challenges in their careers, including racial discrimination and a lack of family support, negatively contributing to their development and professional growth. The lack of diversity in the midwifery profession presents significant challenges for individuals from diverse backgrounds in their professional careers. Therefore, it is essential to clarify each bias and provide clear information about the job to prevent misunderstandings.
Topic Importance
Midwifery is a specific area of care for pregnant women during their pregnancy. This area is significant for further development of healthcare, as it provides the foundation for the healthcare system. Midwifery professionals offer a range of services, including prenatal care and support during childbirth. Nevertheless, the main issue of this sphere is the lack of clear information on its role, requirements, and features. In addition, the lack of diverse personnel causes serious issues for BAME people to work and achieve success in this sphere.
Methodology
The midwifery sphere can be chosen for the same motivation, but other external factors influence the main differences. To effectively analyze this situation, research was conducted in Southeast England. A mixed-methods approach was employed to accurately examine the research results, involving the collection of quantitative data through online surveys and gathering data on preferences and personal experiences in midwifery. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with specific groups, comprising candidates from three different universities (Okiki et al., 2023). Additionally, ethical principles were implemented to ensure that each participant was not coerced into questioning and that data protection was maintained.
Findings
The questioning consisted of 415 participants from BAME and 314 non-BAME (Okiki et al., 2023). It was found that both groups of participants had similar motivation, but their diverse backgrounds were different (Okiki et al., 2023). Moreover, disparities in the experiences of participants were found, and BAME applicants were observed to face more issues in expressing their ideas and points of view. Hence, midwifery can be encouraged by similar motivators. Still, the cultural and diverse backgrounds are entirely different, and it is seen that BAME participants struggle more in comparison with non-BAME ones.
Discussion
Midwifery as a profession is considered one with low status, and wrong assumptions about its background are seen among BAME students, discouraging them from learning this job. It is noted that this profession was considered one with low pay, which is a crucial factor that demotivates students from applying for this position. The accessibility of information also significantly shapes students’ assumptions about the job. Universities need to provide clear and suitable program details to help reduce biases among students. For instance, providing appropriate examples, engaging with professionals in this field, and clearly conveying the primary job responsibilities should be shared with students.
Students also need to have access to the insights during the interview. They should be able to acquire essential personal and academic skills that can help them advance their careers and achieve professional success. Students would be well-prepared for their future profession and would be aware of the challenges that may arise. Thus, due to incorrect assumptions about the profession, students are discouraged from pursuing it, so techniques to improve the situation should be established.
Limitations
However, the study has some limitations that should be considered to make the most appropriate and efficient conclusion. Firstly, the issue is a complex one, so the sample size may be considered small. It is challenging to make serious and evidence-based assumptions based solely on results from a single survey conducted with a small sample size. In this case, broader research and questioning are necessary to address the various issues that can impact the situation.
Secondly, the geographic scope is limited, so the situation in different areas was not adequately examined. Moreover, the situation in different countries and continents can vary, and in some cases, the location affects the acceptance and assumptions about the profession. Thirdly, most participants were non-BAME, which raises questions about the effectiveness of this research.
In addition, the lack of a diverse sample in the research cannot fully address the issue of racial discrimination in this sphere and provide evidence-based examples. Lastly, the impact of the pandemic was also crucial, so this situation should be considered and included in further research, as well as its impact on professional development in midwifery.
Personal Experience
If I were to mention my personal experience, I could present the challenges that one of my relatives faced while working as a midwife. My aunt was passionate about her work and was willing to improve the quality of life for people, but she was African-American with a diverse background. As a result, she faced significant challenges in her career.
Firstly, she encountered confusion due to a lack of knowledge concerning midwifery. Additionally, there were various prejudices and incorrect assumptions about this profession. Secondly, my aunt faced racial discrimination, which resulted in a longer way of achieving success, and she had to prove her ability to meet the requirements and professional standards.
The lack of clear information about the job description led to significant biases among people. In this case, it was difficult for my aunt to understand her role as a midwife and for her family to accept that she was working in this area. In some families, professions are divided into more prestigious and less so, and for my aunt’s family, this position was considered a low one. However, when my aunt was delivering care, some patients were willing to work with her because of her diverse background and ethnicity.
To overcome these challenges, my aunt used various techniques that were crucial and helpful. Firstly, she clarified the position of midwifery with her family, explained its value, and reduced the wrong assumption about this position. She provided excellent examples of the role of midwifery in healthcare and received positive feedback from clients.
Secondly, she tried not to react to racial discrimination sharply but to report such cases. She learned how to be stress-resistant and provide accurate care to the patients. She learned techniques on how midwifery works with people with racial prejudices.
Thirdly, she contacted the midwifery community, which faced similar challenges. Efficient communication was established, allowing for effective engagement with diverse midwifery healthcare providers to share personal experiences and find solutions to various situations. During these communications, my aunt noted that BAME students are less likely to choose the midwifery profession because of various assumptions that were presented in society. The lack of clear descriptions and clarifications about the position demotivates students from applying for this position. Based on my aunt’s personal experience, it is clear that more information and a deeper understanding of midwifery are necessary.
Conclusion
To conclude, the article offers valuable insights into the diversity in midwifery care and highlights its current lack. It is observed that the role of midwifery care is not clearly explained, resulting in numerous misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions when applying for this position. The survey showed that the BAME participants face significant challenges during their professional careers, based on their cultural and diverse backgrounds. Addressing these problems is essential to tackling the root of the issue.
Based on my personal background, clear explanations and clarifications of midwifery care, as well as the prevention of racial discrimination and biases, are essential. Lastly, establishing communication between midwifery healthcare professionals can help improve the quality of healthcare and provide midwifery professionals with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to share their views and discuss the challenges they face at work with others who have similar experiences and difficulties.
Reference
Okiki, C., Giusmin, G., Carpenter, J., & Hunter, L. (2023). Choosing Midwifery − The perceptions and experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants to midwifery programmes: A mixed methods study. Nurse Education in Practice, 69, 103626.