Providing care during a breech birth

Reflection is crucial for professional development in midwifery and provides an opportunity to reflect on gaps in knowledge and skills and implement improvements (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2019). Bass et al (2017) developed the holistic reflection model for midwifery students to develop critical reflection and thinking skills. They state that critical thinking and reflection are crucial elements of midwifery. The reflection described in this article uses the holistic reflection model as a framework. This model provides a structured framework to thoroughly explore experiences from various perspectives through the ‘knowing’ section, to promote critical thinking and enable transformative learning (Bass et al, 2017).

Midwives support people to make individualised choices (NMC, 2018). Assisting people to make individualised and informed decisions can be challenging when they are experiencing pain. As Wiech and Tracey (2013) states, pain often evokes feelings of withdrawal, fear and avoidance, thus influencing decisions. The reflection outlined in this article describes a time when care was provided by a third-year student midwife, Eowyn Robinson, for a woman who altered her birth plan when in labour, out of fear. Pseudonyms have been used to protect anonymity, in line with the NMC (2018) code.