title: Navigating a safe path together: a theory of midwives' responses to the use of complementary and alternative medicine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  this paper presents the findings from a qualitative study that aimed to explain the processes midwives engaged in when considering the use of complementary and alternative medicine by pregnant women.
  
  
  METHODS
  grounded theory methodology was employed for the study. Data was generated from in-depth interviews and non-participant observation of midwives interacting with expectant mothers. Twenty-five midwives who worked in four hospitals and associated community clinics in Victoria, Australia, participated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  the theory 'Navigating a safe path together' offers a possible explanation of how midwives are responding. When working with women interested in the use of complementary and alternative medicine, midwives move through an iterative process of individualising pregnancy care, encountering diverse perspectives and minimising the risks associated with childbearing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  at the heart of the theory is the meaning midwives' construct around safe childbirth and their professional roles. Despite widespread support for the therapies, midwives' actions in clinical practice are mediated by a number of factors including the context of their professional work, their beliefs and knowledge, and the woman's expectation and health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  the research highlights the need for improved education and greater professional guidance to equip midwives to respond with greater understanding, and confidence to the increasing prevalence of CAM in the maternity setting.
authors.affiliation: Monash University, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Peninsula Campus, PO Box 527, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia. Helen.Hall@med.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: Helen G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Debra L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: Lisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: McKenna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020379:Risk Adjustment; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration; D014739:Victoria