- Title
- Challenges for midwives : pregnant women and illicit drug use
- Creator
- Miles, Maureen; Francis, Karen; Chapman, Ysanne
- Date
- 2010
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/44316
- Identifier
- vital:6246
- Identifier
- ISSN:1447-4328
- Abstract
- Objective The purpose of the paper is to introduce illicit drug use as a societal problem and describes the response of the Australian Government. Specifically the paper examines the use of illicit drugs by pregnant women and the role of midwives in supporting these women throughout pregnancy and birth. Setting Maternity services, specifically antenatal care clinics. Conclusion In Australia the rate of pregnant women who use illicit drugs is escalating. These pregnancies are high obstetric risk with potential for harm to both the mother and the baby. Pregnancy however is seen as 'window of opportunity'; a time to provide education, choices and support. The literature describes that for health professionals working with pregnant women who are illicit drug users is challenging and for some health professionals their interaction can be negative. Australia advocates harm minimisation and encourages harm reduction strategies. Midwives are in a position to implement these strategies within the maternity setting. Further research is recommended as well as professional development programs for midwives to upgrade knowledge and cultivate engagement skills to enable appropriate and positive interaction with pregnant women who use illicit drugs.
- Relation
- The Australian journal of advanced nursing : a quarterly publication of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation Vol. 28, no. 1 (2010 2010), p. 83-89
- Rights
- Copyright Australian Nursing Federation
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Midwifery; Prenatal Care; Substance Abuse, Perinatal; 1110 Nursing
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