title: To be a midwife: overcoming the obstacles in Canada (part 2).
abstract: This two-part article introduces my working background in grassroots Canadian midwifery, and my subsequent shift into 'thinking birth' through what I call the 'philosopher-midwife' I broach the idea that midwifery is a site of not only holistic birth care, but of woman-centred birth studies and enquiry. Part 1 conveyed a storied account of my working background in midwifery care, situated in the re-emergence of North American midwifery. I discussed how midwifery is a relational, woman-centred method of knowing and enquiry. I have come to understand midwifery as a metaphor for attending to the gift of life, a woman-centred way of healing, and an ongoing practice of overcoming oppositional circumstances. Part 2 introduces ideas on how birth, in concept and experience, has not been adequately addressed in social philosophy and understanding. I suggest this be remedied through attention to midwives' and women's birth experiences. In this attention, I muse on how the 'philosopher-midwife' may further guide new birth-based enquiries.
authors.forename: Nané
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007587:Job Description; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011247:Pregnancy; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012944:Social Support