An analysis of legislation and policies that guide maternity leave decision making in Australian midwifery students
Abstract
Objective. There are no guidelines to assist midwifery academics or students in determining the optimal time to return to their educational programs following pregnancy. Rather, students need to navigate balancing new motherhood with the pressures of returning to their clinical midwifery placement and completing their statutory requirements to meet the Australian Midwife Accreditation Standards before the end of their program. The aim of this study was to seek best practice information that provides guidance to academics supporting midwifery students returning to study after maternity leave. Methods. An analysis of contemporary Australian legislation, workforce guidelines, professional association statements, and university policies was undertaken to determine what guidance is available to assist midwifery academics in providing advice to midwifery students about the optimal time to return to their studies following birth. This document analysis was performed during 2021–2022 and followed Altheide and Schneider’s 12 step process divided into five stages to clarify best practice advice for midwifery academics to provide guidance to students returning to study after maternity leave. Results. Policy documents that refer to pregnancy confirm women have legal rights, and there is clear guidance on maternity leave; however, advice for midwifery students on the optimum time to return to study and clinical placements after birth is missing from the result of this document analysis search. Conclusion. Transition to motherhood during the postnatal period is an important time. Clear national guidelines are needed to provide support and recommendations regarding a safe and optimal time to return to study and placement.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
11-20-2023
Volume
47
Issue
6
PubMed ID
37980714
Publication Title
Australian Health Review
Publisher
CSIRO
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
RAS ID
62374
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
652
Last Page
666
Comments
Gray, M., McNeill, L., Downer, T., Bloxsome, D., & Jefford, E. (2023). An analysis of legislation and policies that guide maternity leave decision making in Australian midwifery students. Australian Health Review, 47(6), 652-666. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH23099