Female Genital Mutilation: Finnish Midwives’ experiences (2021)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Barasa,H.A; Pakomaa,I.M.A
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The aim of this study was to enhance the competencies,knowledge and understanding of midwives on how to respond to the needs of women affected by female genital mutilation. The primary objective was to identify the special needs of genitally mutilated women in labour and delivery unit. The secondary objective was to develop recommendations for midwives to assist in assessing,planning,and implementing care of genitally mutilated women during labour and the delivery process.
Study Population: Midwives taking care of FGM women in labour and delivery units of Finnish hospitals
Findings: From the result of the analysis,four themes emerged. These included: a) management of pain due to deinfibulation,b) all inclusive support during labour and delivery for FGM women,c) culturally sensitive care and challenges in communication,and d) midwives’ lack of knowledge,experience and feeling unprepared to handle women who have undergone FGM. The findings of the present study indicate that FGM is largely a cultural practice,and many of the women who have undergone FGM and reported to the Finnish women`s hospital labour and delivery unit were coming from different cultural backgrounds across the globe. The Finnish midwives highlighted the need for diversity management training for midwives in order to provide culturally competent care in the labour ward and delivery unit. In addition,there was a knowledge gap hence the need for the hospital management team to organise continuous education programs addressing how to take care of FGM women during labour and the delivery process. In conclusion,FGM continues to be a serious global health crisis that needs to be addressed accordingly to enhance the provision of quality maternal health care,especially during the labour and delivery process. The present study has used the World Health Organisation’s guidelines to recommend continuous special training and supportive supervision for midwives to improve their expertise,skills and confidence hence providing holistic care in labour and delivery units to women who have undergone FGM.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):Finland