Exploring midwives' interactions with mothers when labour begins: A study using participatory action research

current maternity services appear constrained by a reduced midwifery workforce that is expected to meet excessive organisational demands whilst coping with reduced bed capacity. These pressures can promote changes in midwives' behaviour and thinking which disconnects them from mothers rather than focussing on their needs. Safety depends on a high degree of midwife to mother continuity. However, a business model approach, prioritising throughput and process promotes fragmented care and can potentially threaten the safety of mothers and babies. In this study, there appears to be a link between disconnected interactions when labour begins and mothers giving birth unexpectedly out of hospital.