Midwives experiences of participating in a midwifery research project: A qualitative study

Problem and background: In an earlier research project midwives were asked to perform women-centered care focusing on the assumption that the physiological process in the second stage of labour could be trusted and that the midwives role should be encouraging and supportive rather than instructing. There is no knowledge about how midwives participating in such a research project, uses their skills and experience from the study in their daily work. Aim: The aim in this study was to investigate how midwives experienced implementing woman-centered care during second stage of labour. Methods: A qualitative study was designed. Three focus groups and two interviews were conducted. The material was analysed using content analysis. Findings: The participating midwives' experiences were understood as increased awareness of their role as midwives. The overarching theme covers three categories 1) establishing a new way of working, 2) developing as midwife, 3) being affected by the prevailing culture. The intervention was experienced as an opportunity to reflect and strengthen their professional role, and made the midwives see the women and the birth in a new perspective. Conclusions: Implementing woman-centered care during second stage of labour gave the midwives an opportunity to develop in their professional role, and to enhance their confidence in the birthing women and her ability to have a physiological birth. To promote participation in, as well as conduct midwifery research, can enhance the development of the midwives professional role as well as contribute new knowledge to the field. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Midwives.