Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the adaptations of midwives to their
work after maternal deaths at a tertiary hospital complex in Limpopo Province.
Qualitative phenomenological, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research
design was used. Snowball sampling was used to select 22 midwives who
experienced maternal deaths. Semi-structured interviews with a guide and
audiotape were used to collect data. Tesch’s eight steps of qualitative data
analysis were adopted. The study revealed that the midwives had traumatic
experiences after maternal deaths and were failing to adapt to their work.
Strategies to enhance the adaptation of midwives to their work after maternal
death were developed. The study recommends that support, debriefing session, group therapy and
counselling should be provided to the affected midwives. There should be
provision of adequate number of midwives and material resources in the
maternity units to maintain acceptable midwifery care. Sufficient number of
midwives should be trained for advanced midwifery to increase capacity in the
maternity units.
Keywords: Adaptations, midwives, maternal deaths, tertiary hospital
