Abstract
M.Cur.
Statistics prove that the monster called HIV/AIDS invades our country. More women are said to be HIV positive in comparison to men. The midwives are the frontline health workers who have to care for these pregnant HIV positive women and therefore are at occupational risk of HIV infection because of their caring role.
The experience of midwives regarding the delivery of the babies of HIV positive women was not well addressed before as limited studies have been undertaken about the experiences of midwives, therefore inspiring the researcher to undertake this study.
The purpose of this study was to:
• Explore and describe how midwives experienced the delivery of the babies of HIV positive women.
• Describe the guidelines for health professionals to support midwives in order for them to render good midwifery care.
The paradigmatic perspective of this study was guided by the Theory for Health Promotion in Nursing (Rand Afrikaans University, Department of Nursing Science, 1992:2-15), which reflects the focus on the whole person.