Swedish women's experiences of doula support during childbirth

Objectiveto describe women's experiences of doula support during childbirth.Design and settinga qualitative study using a hermeneutic approach. Data were collected via tape-recorded interviews in the women's homes or at a place chosen by the women, one to eight months after the birth.Participantsnine women, seven primiparous and two multiparous, aged between 15 and 40 years, who had received antenatal care at a special clinic for single mothers in Gothenburg, Sweden between 2006 and 2007.Key findingsthe role of the doula lies between natural care and professional care, veering towards professional care. Professional aspects include being a mediator to the unknown, and a human life line to help the woman to play her part in the birth. Furthermore, the doula is a coach who mediates a belief in the woman's capacity to give birth. The midwives’ supporting role is not clear to the women, which can be the result of doulas having a more professional supporting role than giving natural care. Midwives are unable to offer continuity of care and constant support during the birth.Implications for practicethe different supporting roles of doulas and midwives in maternity care should be addressed. Furthermore, maternity care should be organised in a way that gives the woman an opportunity to access continuity of care and constant support.