Table 3 Summary of qualitative papers exploring midwives´s experiences of waterbirth
From: Experiences of water immersion during childbirth: a qualitative thematic synthesis
Author(s)/Country | Date | Design | Participants | Method of data collection | Method of analysis | Recruitment method and setting | Study focus | Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooper et al. [18] Australia | 2019 | A three-phase mixed methods approach. | 12 policy and guideline informants 200 midwives | Documentary análisis Interviews Surveys | Convergent or parallel approach | Phase one data collection provided the majority of recruitment opportunities whilst referral and word-of-mouth provided further opportunities for recruitment. The survey was deployed through the Australian College of Midwives | To explore the development of policies and guidelines concerning water immersion during labor and birth, and analyze the experiences of policy and guideline informants in creating such policies and guidelines. Additionally, to gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of Australian midwives regarding water immersion, as well as their involvement in the development of policies and guidelines | Fur main themes arising from the examination of the participants’ experiences in developing and implementing WI policies and guidelines: (1) the burden of ‘proof’, (2) risk driven policies and guidelines to ensure safety, (3) autonomous control or controlling autonomy and (4) talking from experience. |
Lewis et al. [19] Australia | 2018 | Mixed method study | 12 midwives. | Questionnaire and two focus groups | Thematic analysis | This study was conducted at a birth centre of a tertiary public maternity hospital in Western Australia | To present an overview of the education, knowledge, and practices related to water immersion during labor or delivery among midwives in Western Australia, based on their experiences | Exploration of what midwives enjoyed about caring for women who used water immersion revealed three themes: instinctive birthing; woman-centred atmosphere; and undisturbed space. Exploration of the challenges experienced with waterbirth revealed two themes: learning through reflection and facilities required to support waterbirth. |
Nicholls et al. [20] Australia | 2016 | Qualitative descriptive | 26 midwives | Interviews and focus group | A modified grounded theory methodology with thematic analysis | The study participants were midwives from four different public hospitals | To capture midwives’ perceptions of becoming and being confident in conducting waterbirth in addition to factors perceived to inhibit and facilitate the development of that confidence | Three main categories emerged from the data analysis: what came before the journey, becoming confident – the journey and staying confident. Each contained between threea nd five subcategories.Together they depicted how midwives describe the journey to becoming confident to support women who have chosen the option to waterbirth and how they are able to retain that confidence once achieved. |