https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118822 Sat, 02 May 2026 13:47:14 GMT 2026-05-02T13:47:14Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119392 Title: Women’s lived experiences of the peripartum whilst positive to the coronavirus disease in Malta Abstract: The start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2019, impacted the whole world and brought along with it many changes. The pandemic caused havoc amongst childbearing women, as they were preparing for their childbirth experience. Routine practices at the hospitals changed, different restrictions were put forward, and therefore women experienced childbirth differently. This study aimed to elicit and understand the lived experiences of women during childbirth who tested positive for COVID-19 in Malta. The objectives of this study were threefold: to capture women’s lived experiences of childbirth whilst positive for COVID-19 and to understand the meanings of these experiences. Secondly, to explore how women’s expectations and experiences of childbirth were influenced due to their COVID-19 status, and to understand the care given to women and the restrictions put in place during childbirth whilst being positive for COVID-19 in Malta. Lastly, to elicit any supportive measures that women identify as helpful in improving the childbirth experiences of women infected with the coronavirus disease. This study adopted a qualitative research approach with the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit eight participants. A one-time, face-to-face interview was conducted with the participants, using a semi-structured interview schedule. The data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to Smith and Nizza's (2021), IPA four-step process. Throughout this study, the ‘Navigating Uncertainty Alone’ theory put forward by Montgomery et al. (2023), was used as the study’s theoretical framework. The study’s findings were presented into four themes. In the theme ‘Taking a Diversion’, the findings reflected the changes women had to endure during pregnancy as they were living in a pandemic. These changes were mostly done in an attempt to preserve their expectation of childbirth. This theme also highlights the women’s reactions to finding out they tested positive for COVID-19. The second theme ‘Bumpy Ride’ presents the COVID-19- positive women’s lived experiences of their labour and birth whilst taking into account the new protocols being followed at the time. Subsequently, the theme ‘Landing in a War Zone’, describes the mothers’ immediate postpartum experiences, highlighting feelings of abandonment and social isolation, whilst also bringing to light instances of maternal-infant separation. Lastly, the theme of ‘Surviving the Journey’ talks about women’s journey in bringing their baby home and adapting to life with a newborn after testing positive for COVID19. Findings from this study were seen to be in line with the international literature and demonstrated many commonalities amongst women all over the globe. However, unique findings also emerged from this study. Based on findings from this study, several recommendations were put forward regarding clinical practice and policy, future research, and education. The main recommendation for this study was to introduce protocols and restrictions that are reflective of the women’s holistic needs, taking into account the birth partner and the newborn. This was put forward so that in the future, women and their families have better childbirth and immediate postpartum experiences. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119392 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119389 Title: Midwives’ lived experiences of witnessing traumatic birth Abstract: Midwives working in Central Delivery Suite [CDS] care for women during labour and birth. Unfortunately, midwives sometimes are left to face traumatic birth. This study focuses on the lived experiences of midwives when witnessing traumatic birth. The study aimed to elicit and understand the meaning of midwives’ lived experiences of witnessing traumatic birth. The objectives of this study revolved around capturing midwives’ feelings and thoughts when witnessing traumatic birth, uncovering the meaning of witnessing traumatic birth for midwives and elicit use of any support measures or coping strategies which midwives’ make use of when witnessing traumatic birth. A Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological research approach was adopted, and a purposive sampling technique was used to recruit six eligible participants. One-time, one-toone, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with all the participants. These included midwives employed at the main local hospital who work at the Central Delivery Suite [CDS] for at least a minimum of two years. The research process and analysis of the data were guided by van Manen’s (1990) six-step approach. Hermeneutic philosophical notions and the Beck’s Middle Range Theory of Traumatic Childbirth (2015) guided the study and the interpretation of the findings. Four themes and their corresponding subthemes emerged from the data. The first theme, Nature of Traumatic Birth, captures the multifaceted experiences of midwives, exploring their perspectives on what is meant by traumatic birth. The second theme, Echoes of Trauma, delves into the profound impact of traumatic births on midwives, encompassing mostly the negative aspects of emotional, psychological, professional, and personal impact. The third theme, Adding Fuel to the Fire, highlights exacerbating factors contributing to the perception of traumatic births. The fourth theme, Navigating Trauma, centres on the coping mechanisms and supportive strategies employed by midwives during and after traumatic births, showcasing their journey of dealing with these experiences and fostering professional growth. The main outcome of this study reveals that midwives' experiences of witnessing traumatic birth were impacted by the demanding ward environment and the lack of collaboration with obstetricians. Several findings were congruent with those in the literature. However, unique findings also emerged from the study findings, especially around debriefing, stigma and trauma that does not heal. Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations were highlighted, mainly for further research and implications for practice, policy, and education to better aid midwives. The main recommendations were to take on a more collaborative approach during traumatic birth between midwives and doctors as well as to include debriefing sessions after traumatic birth. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119389 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119353 Title: Midwives’ perspectives on the provision of quality midwifery care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta Abstract: Purpose: The global maternity care landscape has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Swift and substantial modifications were introduced, causing midwives globally to experience anxiety and moral distress when unable to deliver quality, woman-centred care aligned with professional values. There is a dearth of research with large-scale data collection, hence this local study can inform policy-making and preparedness for a pandemic or similar emergencies. Aim: To explore the local midwives’ perspectives on the provision of quality midwifery care during the COVID-19 pandemic in different maternity care settings. Objectives: To seek midwives’ perspectives on altered provision of midwifery care during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this affected women and their families; to identify challenges encountered by midwives in balancing personal safety and well-being while maintaining quality midwifery care; and to identify strategies in addressing the challenges encountered that inform longer-term planning for essential elements of quality midwifery care. Methodology: A quantitative approach was adopted, non-experimental and crosssectional in nature, using a self-administered questionnaire, where 117 midwives working at the local general hospital were recruited through purposive sampling. Eighty-one responses (n=81) were returned, yielding a response rate of 69.2%. Analysis of the data collected was performed by descriptive and inferential statistical analysis for quantitative data, and by using thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in local midwifery care, impacting protective measures, delivery protocols, and postnatal practices. Midwives perceived rapid policy changes as mostly unclear and contradictory. Perceived emotional challenges for women and families included anxiety due to policy changes and limited time with their newborns. Positive outcomes revealed enhanced teamwork and increased awareness on infection control as well as an undisturbed postnatal period for parents and more opportunities for honest communication. Challenges encompassed organisational issues such as increased workload, staff shortages, lack of training, poor management and devaluation of the midwifery profession, and challenges in care provision, namely hindered communication with personal protective equipment (PPE), reduced in-person contact time, and lack of holistic care. Personal challenges for midwives included physical and psychological difficulties, job dissatisfaction and lack of recognition. The study emphasises the importance of ongoing education, support strategies, and organisational recognition. Midwives proposed strategies, including increased support, ongoing training, and care for the holistic well-being, contributing to long-term planning for quality midwifery care during the pandemic. Conclusion: In the context of a pandemic or an analogous emergency placed on the healthcare system, it is imperative to address and enhance the holistic well-being of midwives, as well as women and their partners. Recommendations from this study’s findings necessitate the provision of timely and evidence-based guidelines, along with appropriate resources, to support midwives in delivering respectful, family-centred midwifery care and maintaining the physiological nature of childbirth. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119353 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z