Research in Midwifery
«Our interdisciplinary research strengthens midwives to improve the quality of care for families during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum. In this way, we contribute to the promotion of reproductive health and rights in Switzerland and to the further development of midwifery science as an academic discipline»
Dr. Johanna Eichinger and Dr. Michael Rost, Co-Heads of Research and Development Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health
Research at the Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health promotes health and equal opportunities. In particular, we focuse on the care of women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and breastfeeding.
Key research subjects
We focuse on the care of women, children and families during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and breastfeeding. This includes evidence-based practice in obstetrics, quality assurance and development in midwifery as well as health services research.
Midwifery, obstetrics
In this focus area, we examine how pregnant women plan and experience childbirth. We also analyse the quality of care during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. In addition, we study midwife-led care models and counseling for pregnant women.
Reproductive health
In clinical practice, midwives are responsible for reproductive health issues, from teaching sex education in schools to well beyond pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. This is also reflected in our research.
Across the lifespan, we have conducted projects on risk perception of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Additionally, our research team has explored sexuality during the transition to parenthood.
Health inequalities
With this key research subject, we include projects on inequality and psychosocially disadvantaged families in obstetric care. Our aim is to improve their accessibility, care and health literacy.
Education and professionalization
In a larger educational project, a programme was developed with the Zurich University of Teacher Education (PH Zurich) to qualify trainers. These trainers work between the respective university and their professional field in practical vocational training.
Job satisfaction and midwives’ retention in the profession are also key topics.
Our services
We offer the following services to clients and practice partners:
- Development and implementation of research projects with social and health institutions
- Compilation of overview work and systematic literature reviews including meta-analyses
- Collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative obstetric data
- Evaluations and expert opinions
- Collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative obstetric data
Projects and publications
The research unit in midwifery prioritises the best possible care for women, children and families during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding. It focuses on evidence-based obstetric practice, quality assurance, development of midwifery activities and healthcare research.
All projects and publications are listed in the ZHAW project database by start and publication date.
Clients and funding partners
We develop offers for our research and practice partners as well as clients that are tailored to their needs and issues. We have a broad spectrum of quantitative and qualitative research methods and other instruments at our disposal.
We offer a modern infrastructure and a wide range of skills, which are complemented by interdisciplinary networking within ZHAW and close cooperation with international experts in various fields.
In interdisciplinary projects, we work together with the research groups of Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Public Health.
Research team
Researchers from the disciplines of midwifery, nursing, sociology and statistics are part of our team. They are familiar with the recording, evaluation and dissemination of qualitative and quantitative data as well as systematic literary reviews and expert opinions.