Various Sexual Consequences of Interventions in Midwifery Practice

Many different elements influence sexuality and intimacy. Whereas some elements are entirely outside obstetric care, others are directly related to what happens in contact with the midwife. This chapter deals with the consequences (the ‘sexual side effects’) of what the midwife is doing or not doing. It focuses more on behaviour and attitude than on the ‘medical or technical’ aspects. The chapter will discuss possible sexual implications of the midwife’s daily work, incorporating the sexuality theme with attention to body integrity, boundaries, and respect. The chapter will provide part of the information in the form of questions for exercises related to the professional attitude in daily midwife practice. It will also include some aspects of personal involvement in the care of the woman and the couple. A midwife is also a person with sexual feelings, most probably with a sexual life and maybe a sexual relationship. Many HCPs tend not to consider those realities related to their work. However, they can significantly impact when the positive and negative aspects of their clients’ intimacy and sexuality intensely or repeatedly confront the midwife. This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.