Aim: To develop a research-based conceptual model of midwifery practice.
Design: Qualitative using grounded theory.
Setting: Midwifery practice in New Zealand and Scotland.
Participants: 250 midwives and 219 clients from the two countries.
Findings: Data from the participants provided the contextual background as well as the major categories. Forming the background were the concepts of: beliefs, colleagues, culture, experience, expertise, education, environment, friends, families, intuition, knowledge and professionalism. The major categories of the model which emerged from the data were: attending and presencing, supplementing and complementing, reflection and reflexivity. These are discussed as pairs while the basic social process (core category) of reciprocity embraces the whole midwife-client relationship.
Conclusions: This model offers the beginnings of documentary evidence of the essence of the midwife-client relationship and may go some way towards the creation of a written body of midwifery knowledge. It has potential applicability for both midwifery education and practice.