Midwives’ support leading to proactive births

Abstract

This study aimed to identify midwives' involvement in birth centers and their role in leading expectant mothers to active childbirth. Using a qualitative descriptive study with semi-structured interviews, data was collected from two midwives working at a midwifery center in Kanagawa Prefecture in August 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then the information related to the purpose of the study was extracted, coded, categorized, and subcategorized. Ethical considerations were considered in this study.This study aimed to identify midwives' involvement in birth centers and their role in leading expectant mothers to active childbirth. Using a qualitative descriptive study with semi-structured interviews, data was collected from two midwives working at a midwifery center in Kanagawa Prefecture in August 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then the information related to the purpose of the study was extracted, coded, categorized, and subcategorized. Ethical considerations were considered in this study. As a result, 5 categories and 14 subcategories were identified. The categories extracted were “valuing the midwife's own six senses,” “encouraging verbalization of what can be done,” “respecting choices except for life-related matters,” “helping pregnant women accept their changing bodies,” and “awareness of the mother’s behavioral changes.” To help expectant mothers give birth proactively, it is important to ensure that they feel safe and secure during birth. Midwives can also encourage expectant mothers to use verbal and non-verbal communication during birth. They must also respect the choices of the expectant mother and provide her with the knowledge she needs to deal with her own body challenges, which can encourage her to change her behaviors.