gms | German Medical Science

Background: Health promotion is becoming more and more important in Germany. Midwives are directly involved in this and can, for example, help to implement national health goals. The German Association of Midwives also promotes the development of new fields of activity for midwives, such as midwifery teaching in general education schools as part of sexual education. Research question: Is midwifery teaching in schools a contribution for health promotion?

Method: A literature review was conducted including various databases and current scientific literature to answer the question.

Results: Midwives can increase the pupils’ knowledge and convey a positive emotional attitude about pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period through their teaching in schools. In addition, children can be empowered and increase their body awareness and confidence. The playful education promotes self-efficacy.

Relevancy: The midwives in schools project fulfills many of the good practice criteria for social situation-based health promotion. There is often a lack of human and financial resources to implement the measure on a nationwide, sustainable basis.

Conclusion: Midwives at schools can contribute to strengthening the health resources of the participating children and thus contribute to health promotion at various levels. For further implementation, it needs more midwifes who are interested in teaching and a possibility to secure regular funding.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: A vote on ethics was not necessary. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.