"It changed how I see birth":the transformative role of positive birth stories in midwifery education

Professional motivation and identity development in midwifery students are crucial for their education. However, hearing mostly negative birth stories from their environment can adversely affect their perceptions of birth and their professional role. A positive perception of birth is essential not only for pregnant women but also for midwifery students. This positive view can enhance their professional identity and motivation, significantly influencing their future practice. This study aimed to examine midwifery students' views on the effect of a positive birth stories workshop on their professional motivation.

This qualitative descriptive research was conducted in two stages. First, a workshop was held with midwifery students and women who had experienced positive births. Then, online interviews were conducted with 12 students who participated in the workshop. The data were analysed using content analysis in MAXQDA 2022 software.

All students, aged 20-23, reported mainly hearing negative birth stories previously. Three themes emerged regarding the workshop's effect on professional motivation: (1) Shaping Perceptions - The Influence of Birth Stories, (2) Discovering the Power of Midwifery through Positive Birth Stories, (3) Integration of Birth Stories with Education.

This study shows that positive birth stories enhance maternity care students' professional motivation and perceptions of childbirth. The workshop shifted students' views, portraying midwives as heroes, increasing respect for the profession. Integrating experiential storytelling into education fosters professional responsibility, belonging, and motivation, positively impacting students' development.