Midwives in South Africa
Midwives have the ability to work independently in cases of healthy pregnancies and problem-free deliveries; however, they can refer patients to gynaecologists or obstetricians when complications are diagnosed.
[1][2] The majority of pregnant women in South Africa use the public healthcare system, and most of this care is provided by midwives.
[3][4] The first registered nurse-midwife in the world was Sister Louisa Jane Barrett, who received training in Kimberley, South Africa, in 1891.
[9][10] The primary purpose of this qualification is to produce competent midwives who will provide scientific, comprehensive, safe and quality midwifery care to patients, families and communities within the legal and ethical framework.
[9] This qualification aims at training competent Professional Nurse and Midwife practitioners who will have the ability to act in a wide range of healthcare service environments.
On successful completion of this qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with the relevant statutory body (currently the SANC) as a Professional Nurse and Midwife.
[9] Primary maternity services are provided by midwives in the public sector as part of the South African National Health Plan.
[4] Midwives are not allowed to prescribe medications, such as magnesium sulphate and oxytocin which are used to treat pre-eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage, respectively.
[3] The shortage of midwives in the management of pregnant women in the private sector is perceived as one of the reasons for the high rate of deliveries conducted by caesarean section.
The collaboration of midwives and obstetricians in the management of pregnant women would be beneficial to maternity care once critical impediments are addressed in order to achieve such a partnership.
They are also responsible for the ritual bathing of the mother, disposal of the placentas, provision of healing medicines and traditional massage after delivery.
The criteria for women aspiring to be traditional midwives include having two children of their own as well as training over a period of 15 to 20 years before they can assume this respected title.
The strategy aims to support member states in implementing action plans and policies that will strengthen the role that traditional medicine plays in keeping populations healthy.
