Ingvild Aune1, Oda Villemo Holsether2, Anne Marte Tinholt Kristensen3. 1. Midwifery Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Mauritz Hansens gt. 2, 7004 Trondheim, Norway. Electronic address: ingvild.aune@ntnu.no. 2. Molde Hospital, Parkveien 84, 6407 Molde, Norway. 3. Kristiansund Hospital, Herman Døhlens vei 1, 6508 Kristiansund, Norway.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the thoughts and experiences of midwives in the attempt to promote normal births in Norwegian maternity wards. METHODS: A qualitative approach was selected for data collection, and the data presented are derived from in-depth interviews. Nine midwives at three different maternity wards in Norway participated in the study. The qualitative data were analysed with the help of systematic text condensation. RESULTS: The findings included two main themes: (1) "Individualized maternity care" (2) "A woman-centred and a biomedical perspective - a dilemma. Working in a small maternity ward increased the possibility for continuous support during labour and continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The midwives had a great desire to promote normal births with a minimum of interventions. Still, they adhered to an ideology based on both a woman-centred and a biomedical view of birth. Their work was often based on a precautionary approach in which problem-solving strategies were related to potential risks. CONCLUSION: The midwives experienced challenges, as they worked in an environment where different ideologies prevailed. They utilized the positive aspects of small maternity wards, like the opportunity for continuous support during labour and continuity of care during the childbearing process. Midwives should encourage discussions about their precautionary approach and the use of technology for low-risk women, while reflecting on their own views on normal births.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the thoughts and experiences of midwives in the attempt to promote normal births in Norwegian maternity wards. METHODS: A qualitative approach was selected for data collection, and the data presented are derived from in-depth interviews. Nine midwives at three different maternity wards in Norway participated in the study. The qualitative data were analysed with the help of systematic text condensation. RESULTS: The findings included two main themes: (1) "Individualized maternity care" (2) "A woman-centred and a biomedical perspective - a dilemma. Working in a small maternity ward increased the possibility for continuous support during labour and continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The midwives had a great desire to promote normal births with a minimum of interventions. Still, they adhered to an ideology based on both a woman-centred and a biomedical view of birth. Their work was often based on a precautionary approach in which problem-solving strategies were related to potential risks. CONCLUSION: The midwives experienced challenges, as they worked in an environment where different ideologies prevailed. They utilized the positive aspects of small maternity wards, like the opportunity for continuous support during labour and continuity of care during the childbearing process. Midwives should encourage discussions about their precautionary approach and the use of technology for low-risk women, while reflecting on their own views on normal births.