The state of professionalisation of midwifery in Belgium : A discussion paper

Abstract

To describe the state of the professionalisation of midwifery in Belgium, and to formulaterecommendations for advancing the midwifery profession.Methods: A descriptive overview of maternity care in Belgium and the professionalisation of midwiferythrough an analysis of relevant policy and academic texts, underpinned by Greenwood’s sociologicalcriteria for a profession: (1) own body of knowledge, (2) recognised authority, (3) broader communitysanctions, (4) own code of ethics and (5) professional culture sustained by formal professionalassociations. From these insights, recommendations for advancing the midwifery profession in Belgiumare formulated.