Definition and Role of the Nurse-Midwife in the Humanization of Childbirth: A Review Article

Abstract

Introduction. The twentieth century saw a strong process of medicalization and the technification of care. In recent years, we are experiencing a change in the healthcare model and the concept of humanized childbirth is emerging. A tool to encourage this and avoid obstetric violence is the birth plan. The midwife has a fundamental role in it. Objectives. Describe the concept of humanized childbirth care, know the role of the midwife in it and delve into the vindication of women, while identifying the historical evolution on this subject. Methodology. Bibliographic review through the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cerca Bib databases. 15 articles were selected and a bibliometric analysis has been carried out using the tool VosViewer. Results. Humanized care is focused on empowering and dignifying women, so they have an active and decisive role and can live the birth process as a positive experience. The birth plan is an instrument that positively influences this process and maternal-fetal outcomes, so its use is encouraged. In addition, midwives are essential in the implementation of humanized care that allows to avoid situations of obstetric violence. Conclusion. It is important that health professionals adopt ethical sensitivity that contributes to this respect for women’s autonomy and avoid situations of obstetric violence. It is necessary to change the obstetric model in the training of health professionals so that they become aware and adopt training models that tend to improve the quality of care.