Community midwives' workplace experiences: A case study from a resource-poor country

Objective: To explore community midwives' (CMs') experiences with respect to deployment policies and processes developed and used in Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory design was used; 11 CMs' perspectives were gained through two focus groups. Results: The findings are summarised under a key theme, 'Surviving as community midwives', and four related categories: (1) lack of identity and recognition; (2) state of helplessness; (3) depletion of competence and confidence; (4) unavailability of resources and financial support. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the need for revising the deployment policies, especially those related to the preparation of CMs for working independently in communities; introducing the CMs and their roles within the communities; establishing independent work stations (birthing centres); and streamlining the remuneration processes. The findings recommend greater preparation of district and regional-level government officials by policy makers for the implementation of the new CMs' deployment plan.