Table 2 The overarching theme, themes, sub-themes, and concepts that formed the participants’ lived experiences of maternal care during labour and delivery

Wanting to lead continuous woman-centered care but being unable to

1.Emphasis on the non-interventional care

Emphasis on physiological childbirth

–

Psychological care is more important than physical care

–

2.Midwifery-specific focus

Midwife’s professional values

Justice in care

Communication skills

A sense of empathy

Sense of responsibility and work ethics

Professional view of work

Midwife’s characteristics and competence in providing care

Patience

An interest in the job

Right reaction in critical situations

Ability to do teamwork

Ability to control stress

Optimism

3.Obstacles and challenges of midwifery care

Lack of familiarity with and knowledge in relation to childbirth

Pregnant woman’s unfamiliarity with the process of physiological childbirth

Pregnant woman’s unfamiliarity with the complications of cesarean section

The insignificant role of midwives in decision making

Midwife is in the margins of decision making

Lack of midwife independence in the care process

Robotic care

Obstetrician utilitarianism

Performing all deliveries

Not giving midwife the freedom to perform delivery

Lack of teamwork

High workloads along with work-related stress

Multiple responsibilities along with work-related stress

Simultaneous responsibility of care for several women/people in labour

Argument-driven communication between obstetricians and midwives

Argument over the diagnosis of problem

Argument along with disrespect

Argument over financial issues

An absence of a ‘triangle of trust’ in care

Patient’s trust in midwife

obstetrician’s trust in midwife