How can midwives promote a normal birth and a positive birth experience? The experience of first-time Norwegian mothers

- The midwives have an important role in helping women towards a normal birth and a positive birth experience.
- The women consider the midwife's approach and behaviour important for their ability to feel safe and cared for.
- The midwife's motivating approach promotes the women's belief in their own capability to handle the birth.
- The key task of maternity care should be to maintain and enhance the state of healthiness.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of first-time mothers regarding how the midwife may promote a normal birth and a positive birth experience.MethodsA qualitative approach was chosen for data collection, and the data presented are based on in-depth interviews. Twelve healthy, first-time Norwegian mothers, aged 22-34, who had experienced a normal and positive childbirth were interviewed five to six weeks after giving birth. The transcribed interviews were analysed with the help of systematic text condensation.ResultsThe findings included two main themes: “To be seen as an individual” and “Health-promoting perspective”. The experience of being cared for by a midwife who provides presence is vital for the woman to be seen as an individual. When the midwife has a health-promoting perspective, she can more easily assist the woman in developing inner strength and coping strategies.ConclusionMidwives have a pivotal role in helping to promote a normal birth and positive birth experience. The women consider the midwife's attitude and behaviour as essential for their ability to feel safe and cared for. The midwife's individualized and motivating approach promotes the women's inner strength and belief in their own capability to handle the birth. Based on this salutogenic view, the midwife must focus on the woman's resources in order to promote good health during the childbearing process.