Partners' expectations and experiences of the project 'Midwife All the Way': A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION Continuity models of midwifery care are significant factors in facilitating a positive childbirth experience for birthing women. A knowledge gap exists regarding partners' experiences of continuity of midwifery care during pregnancy, birth, and after birth, although it is essential to understand the experiences of both parents in relation to continuity of care. Thus, the aim of this study was to highlight partners' expectations and experiences of having participated in a continuity of midwifery care project. METHODS A qualitative interview study using thematic analysis was carried out. Thirty-six partners in a rural area in northern Sweden were recruited after the closure of the local labor ward. Interviews were conducted in October 2019 and in May 2020. RESULTS An overarching theme: 'A partner-midwife relationship facilitated a sense of security'; and two themes 'The concept of availability' and 'The midwife's competence and professionalism' reflect partners' expectations and experiences after participating in a continuity of midwifery care project. CONCLUSIONS Professionalism was most highly valued, but establishing a relationship with a known midwife facilitated a sense of security. When birthing women feel safe with the known midwife, the partners also feel safe. Having to travel a long-distance to a labor ward caused concern for the partners. This highlights the importance of an organization that supports families to gain access to continuity models of midwifery care and to have a possibility to give birth closer to their residence. The results of this qualitative study further strengthen the growing evidence of the positive effects of continuity models of midwifery care.