Midwifery care based on a precautionary approach: Promoting normal births in maternity wards: The thoughts and experiences of midwives.

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.