Bringing women's birth stories to light : a narrative study.

Abstract

Research into normal childbirth is very important, and international research on the subject is widespread. As the recognised professionals of normal childbirth, midwives represent an essential component. Therefore in order to instigate research on normal childbirth in Malta, primarily, midwives' perspectives must be investigated. The objectives for the study were to investigate Maltese midwives' perspectives on the subject of normal childbirth, to evaluate midwives' views on medical interventions in childbirth, to identify possible reasons for the current practice of normal childbirth and to assess midwives' knowledge and confidence in normal childbirth. A qualitative research design was utilised. Ten interviews, using a semi-structured interview schedule, were conducted in the Labour Ward at the state maternity hospital in Malta. A convenience sample of ten Maltese midwives participated. Data analysis was conducted through the use of thematic networks. Two thematic networks were developed from the data collected. In thematic network 1 : Normal childbirth is decreasing, the main themes generated by midwives included Medical interventions are increasing, Barriers to normal childbirth and Midwifery practice in a medicalised system. In thematic network 2: Midwives support normal childbirth, the themes The midwife's role for normal childbirth and Midwives' knowledge and confidence emerged. This study highlighted that midwives support normal childbirth and have identified an unsubstantiated rise in medical interventions, which they find concerning. Midwives claimed that current practice is medicalised, especially due to barriers which impede normality. Midwives criticised this situation and asserted that the midwife should have an autonomous role in normal childbirth. Midwives' accounts showed confidence and knowledge but research-based rationale for practice was lacking. The conclusions of this study are not generalisable due to the small scale nature of the study but the research is important in order to provide an insight into Maltese midwives' perspectives of normal childbirth.