Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Can intuitive knowledge be taught in midwifery practice?

Barnfather, T. (2013) Can intuitive knowledge be taught in midwifery practice? British Journal of Midwifery. 21(2), pp. 131-136. 0969-4900.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: This paper critically analyses the notion of midwifery epistemology and the ontological view that intuitive knowledge, while inbuilt, develops into tacit knowledge. Through pre-registration midwifery programmes learning strategies are identified that enable students to develop tacit knowledge. The art of midwifery education, both pre-registration and lifelong, is to learn to believe in an individual’s intuition. Intuitive knowledge is a type of knowing, the art of midwifery that is difficult to articulate but fundamental for best practice. Midwives rely on the model that childbirth is a normal phenomenon. The learner has to travel a complex and exciting journey, meeting academic requirements, fulfil women’s expectations and learn to listen to her/his inner self. Through this process of learning, theoretical knowledge, developing clinical acumen and awareness of self, the sum of the parts is more than the whole
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R735 Medical education. Medical schools. Research
R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics > RG950 Midwifery
Creators: Barnfather, Tracey
Publisher: MA Healthcare Ltd.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Midwifery
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Midwifery
Date: 5 February 2013
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 131-136
Journal or Publication Title: British Journal of Midwifery
Volume: 21
Number: 2
Language: English
ISSN: 0969-4900
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/5256

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