Midwives’ experiences in supporting normal physiological birth : a qualitative study

Abstract

The promotion and support of normal physiological birth remain central to midwifery practice. This proposed qualitative study aims to explore midwives’ experiences, approaches, and challenges in facilitating and supporting normal physiological birth within the clinical setting. Specifically, the study seeks to understand how midwives define and perceive their role in supporting physiological birth, to identify the challenges they encounter in maintaining a physiological approach to labour and birth, and to explore the core principles, practices, and strategies they employ to promote and protect this natural process. A qualitative research design will be employed, utilising individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews to gather rich, in-depth data from participants. Eight midwives working within the delivery suite of the public maternity hospital will be recruited through convenience sampling, facilitated by the midwifery manager. The interviews, conducted in a private room within the hospital setting, minutes, will be audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data will be analysed using Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to identify key patterns and insights. Ethical principles will underpin all aspects of the research process, ensuring confidentiality, voluntary participation, and the trustworthiness of findings. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into midwives’ lived experiences in supporting normal physiological birth, contributing to the existing body of knowledge and informing future midwifery practice and policy development.