An Ethnographic Study of the Philosophy, Culture and Practices Within an Urban Freestanding Midwifery Unit: Part 2 – Staff Perspectives

Abstract

This study, the second in a series of four articles, focuses on the key characteristics that ensure the effective functioning of midwifery units (MU). Article one described the study methodology and methods. This second article focuses on staff experiences and perspectives of working at the freestanding midwifery units (FMU) and what they perceived as crucial to embed best practices and a positive team spirit. The aim of this study was to shed light on philosophy, organisational culture and practices within a FMU model of care. The setting was a FMU in East London.