Turkish midwives' experiences and opinions in promoting normal births: A grounded theory study

Worldwide, the biomedical model of maternity care has been dominant, with the overuse of interventions.

This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and opinions of Turkish midwives regarding the promotion of normal births.

In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 midwives; data were analysed using grounded theory. The data were analysed according to the constant comparative method.

The study generated a core category (We want to promote normal births, but have no power to do it), which means all participants wanted to promote normal births. However, they have been disempowered by the medicalised systems of care. There were also three main categories (different ideologies in the labour ward, the midwives have no power, unempowered women). The participants reported that different ideologies in the labour ward were a challenge to promoting normal births. Their working conditions and education level were not enough to support normal birth. The pregnant women were described as unempowered due to a lack of antenatal education and having a fear of childbirth.

Normal birth could be promoted by enhancing the power and responsibilities of midwives. The women need antenatal education to have a normal birth. The normal birth may promote the enhanced readiness of women and midwives.