Our mission statement
The German Society for Midwifery Science (DGHWi) supports the vibrant diversity of its members and views the discussion surrounding the self-understanding expressed in its mission statement as an ongoing process. The DGHWi’s mission statement emerged through a collaborative development and coordination process by the members of the association and was first published in May 2016. The mission statement was then updated to the present version and was adopted by a significant majority at the general assembly on February 15, 2019. In the future, it will be submitted regularly to the members for content and editorial review and, if necessary, further updated
Preamble
The German Society for Midwifery Science (DGHWi) is a scientific professional association which promotes research, teaching and practice in the field of midwifery science. Its mission is to gather and systematize knowledge and to support the development of further insights, aiming for the highest scientific quality. The society’s goal is to link scientific knowledge with midwifery practice, thereby contributing to tailored and effective care for women and their families during the childbearing years.
The DGHWi supports and engages with the scientific basis for, and formulation of solutions to, obstetric issues. Its focus is on physiological processes and the greatest possible promotion of physiology, even in the presence of medical risk, health limitations, interventions and social vulnerabilities, as well as on professional midwifery care for all childbirthing women and their families.
The work of the DGHWi is embedded in the obstetric branch of science. It therefore seeks dialogue with other professional associations and stakeholders within the obstetric community, as well as health care institutions and health care policy makers. It is an active participant in constructive discourse about society’s self-understanding.
Scientific sense of Identity and mission
The DGHWi’s scientific sense of identity is based on viewing childbirth as a physiological process, encompassing the entire trajectory of the childbearing phase, from family planning till cessation of breastfeeding or infancy. The DGHWi is committed to supporting the acquisition and communication of knowledge about physiology and the boundaries to pathology. This focus provides a scientific foundation for the range of tasks performed by midwives.
The DGHWi brings a salutogenic and resource-oriented perspective to the discourse around treatment standards for women in the childbearing years. It assumes a public mandate on issues related to midwifery science research, teaching and education and actively participates in public discourses. As a scientific organization, the DGHWi organizes international conferences and publishes midwifery-specific research findings in an independent professional journal. It supports research and development projects, promotes the dissemination of midwifery-related research findings and encourages their application in practice and teaching. Additionally, the society strengthens the network of researchers working in midwifery science by supporting sections and working groups.
Principles and values
The DGHWi advocates for societal recognition of midwifery as the profession responsible for supporting women during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum phase, breastfeeding and infancy. The society is committed to a salutogenic and resource-oriented approach to midwifery care. Central to the implementation of this approach are the self-determination of women and their family members, respect for their individual needs and support of physiological processes.
Mutual respect and trust are the foundations of our work within the society as well as within its internal work. Interaction takes place within a framework of a critically constructive dialogue.
The DGHWi promotes an open, appreciative and transparent scientific discourse. It supports and fosters the development of the next generation of researcher, encouraging scientific work and providing opportunities for publication.
Members
The members of the DGHWi belong to an independent scientific society that covers the areas of midwifery research, teaching and practice. Through their active or supporting membership, they support the further development of our professional society, which aims to contribute to the provision of evidence-based care for women that meets their needs.
Members of the DGHWi include midwives, maternity nurses and trainees who are interested in the further development of midwifery science. They are also active in midwifery, nursing and/or health science teaching or research or are students of corresponding degree programs. Furthermore, members include scientists, doctors, members of other healthcare professions, disciplines and fields of activity as well as students who support the aims of the professional society.
Target Group and Partners
The DGHWi engages in dialogue with professional societies and people who are professionally and scientifically involved in obstetrics. It leverages the scientific expertise of its members and their experience and brings both together in publications and other work results.
The DGHWi provides input on obstetric issues, in particular midwifery-specific topics, within professional and health policy committees. Its work and discussions are aimed at the general public, scientists, health policy makers, representatives of interest groups and social insurances as well as the midwifery community and the women and families they care for.
Participation in Scientific and Socio-Political Discourse
The DGHWi actively participates in the scientific discourse on obstetric and midwifery-related health policy issues. It enunciates questions and develops answers regarding care practice within the childbearing period, with a particular focus on creating and developing of guidelines and recommendations. Emphasis is placed on highlighting evidence related to midwifery-specific experiential knowledge, while remaining open to scientific findings from other disciplines order to shape the future of obstetric practice. The DGHWi also sees its role in bringing its position on obstetric topics to a broader public and offering decision-making support to future mothers.
Goals and Tasks
The DGHWi is committed to:
- Promoting the health of women and their children and families during the childbearing period,
- Gaining international recognition for the importance of physiological birth,
- enhancing the scientific and practical competence of all professionals involved in obstetrics,
- Strengthening the role of midwives in obstetrics, pregnancy and postpartum care,
- Increasing the consideration and reflection of interdisciplinary scientific findings in midwifery education, training, continuing education and practice,
- Advancing quality initiatives and guidelines in obstetrics,
- Supporting the transfer of knowledge and colaboration between midwives and physicians in both the theory and practice of obstetrics,
- Encouraging the formation of identity of both scientists and practitioners,
- Fostering the development of the next generation of scientists.