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Midwives' views, experiences and feelings of confidence surrounding vaginal breech birth: A qualitative study
Ruth Sloman1, Marta Wanat2, Ethel Burns1
1Department of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Marston Road, Oxford OX3 0FL, UK.
Objective:
to explore midwives' views, experiences and feelings of confidence surrounding vaginal breech birth (VBB).
Design:
a qualitative study was conducted with 12 participants using three focus group discussions. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Setting:
UK midwives were recruited from different geographical areas who worked in community areas, hospital areas and as independent practitioners.
Findings:
three themes were identified. Firstly, midwives viewed VBB in dimensions of normality, perceiving it to be an unusual norm on one hand while also acknowledging potential problems. Secondly, midwives expressed varied feelings of preparedness; the majority feeling inexperienced and under-prepared with VBB, yet more confident when supported by other colleagues. Lastly, midwives described restrictions on women's choice of VBB; perceiving other practitioners as limiting women's choices through coercion, yet providing a balanced choice themselves.
Conclusions:
there should be an opportunity for midwives to be mentored by a more experienced practitioner in VBB. Practice areas should develop a guideline for VBB which acknowledges the role of the midwife in facilitating normal breech birth. Balanced written and verbal information on VBB may further assist decision making for women considering a VBB. Education in VBB should focus on learning what is normal for VBB and must emphasise the importance of teamwork and understanding roles within multidisciplinary teams.
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