Objective: to investigate and assess Chinese midwives' views of their roles and ability to practice in a proposed midwife-led normal birth unit (MNBU).
Design: a self-completed questionnaire supplemented with semi-structured telephone interviews. Memos, diaries, correspondence and comments of Chinese collaborators were also accessed.
Setting: six hospitals in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province.
Participants: 143 midwives were contacted and completed the questionnaire survey. Three midwives were subsequently interviewed.
Findings: the response rate was 100%; 86% of midwives supported the development of an MNBU, and 94.4% expressed confidence that they would be able to practice in an MNBU. The study shed new light on: (1) the meaning of an MNBU in the Chinese context; (2) the need for development of an MNBU; (3) role conflicts among midwives, doulas, nurses and obstetricians; (4) professional expertise and tension; and (5) the low status of Chinese midwives.
Conclusion: the proposed MNBU is welcomed by Chinese midwives. Their consensus and confidence show that there is enthusiasm for this project to proceed. However, the Chinese have never thought of MNBU services before. There is a need to develop well-structured philosophy, policy, procedures and outcome measures.
Implications for practice: the findings highlight the importance of an MNBU to re-establish Chinese midwives' support of physiological childbirth. The extent to which Chinese midwives understand an MNBU could be further explored. The result may provide a possible route to the continuity of midwifery care and support.