OBJECTIVE: to describe the content, modes of working and reaction/interaction of childbirth education provided by midwives in Sweden. DESIGN: qualitative, using non-participant observation to collect the data. Grounded theory approach was used. SETTING: antenatal classes provided in the community in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: twelve midwives with varying lengths of experience in teaching antenatal classes, and the prospective parents who attended these classes. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: three perspectives on the content and three modes of working were found. Combinations of the differing perspectives and working modes provided differing interactions within the classes. KEY CONCLUSIONS: the confirming/mixed model resulted in dialogue in the classes. It was assumed that this model would contribute to an increased understanding of the coming experience of giving birth. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the findings provide midwives with a basis for reflection on their experiences as leaders in the childbirth preparation part of education for parenthood.
OBJECTIVE: to describe the content, modes of working and reaction/interaction of childbirth education provided by midwives in Sweden. DESIGN: qualitative, using non-participant observation to collect the data. Grounded theory approach was used. SETTING: antenatal classes provided in the community in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: twelve midwives with varying lengths of experience in teaching antenatal classes, and the prospective parents who attended these classes. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: three perspectives on the content and three modes of working were found. Combinations of the differing perspectives and working modes provided differing interactions within the classes. KEY CONCLUSIONS: the confirming/mixed model resulted in dialogue in the classes. It was assumed that this model would contribute to an increased understanding of the coming experience of giving birth. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the findings provide midwives with a basis for reflection on their experiences as leaders in the childbirth preparation part of education for parenthood.