Comparing the Art of Midwifery Practice to Spiritual Care: Common Characteristics Emerging from Theoretical Models and Field Work.

This article offers an original comparative analysis of spiritual care providers and midwives using two theoretical models, the "art of midwifery practice" and "practiced spirituality". The analysis draws on interview data from ten New Zealand midwives. Focusing on presence, guardianship, intuition, confidence/courage, and human relationship, the analysis reveals shared yet distinct ways of enacting care, illuminating overlooked dimensions of spiritual care practice, and opening new avenues for interdisciplinary reflection.