gms | German Medical Science

Background: In Germany, obstetric violence is increasingly expressed in women´s birth reports on user blogs and in citizens´ initiatives like the Roses Revolution Day. Research reports about obstetrical violence are predominantly coming from countries of Latin America. This phenomenon is described so far from the point of view of affected women.

Objectives and research questions: The aim of the survey is to describe and to document obstetric violence in hospitals in Northern Germany from the perspective of employed midwives. Via the interview, the researcher draw conclusions about obstetrical violence; namely, how it works and how it is experienced from the viewpoint of employed midwives in a clinical setting in Northern Germany.

Methods: In a qualitative research design, six semi-structured expert interviews [1] were conducted between October and December 2016 with employed midwives, whom are currently working in five hospitals in Northern Germany. The recruitment occurred via community gate keepers. Data analysis was completed using inductive categories according to content analysis by Mayring [2].

Findings: The professional perspective in the birth situation, the own womanhood and the use of empathy for the unaware parturient influence the experience of obstetric violence of midwives. Obstetric violence is a result of premature or useless obstetric interventions, lack of time, expectations of the women in birth assistance and the gap between the well-being of the birthing woman and the health of the baby. Obstetric violence is perpetuated through hierarchy and adapted behavior of both women and midwives in the hospital. Obstetric violence can traumatize midwives. Midwives develop proactive strategies to protect women against obstetrical violence. Midwives as second victim of obstetrical violence protect themselves in a insufficient way.

Implication for the practice: Due to the clinical setting, obstetrical violence is a complex problem that needs both stakeholders and all parties involved in the health system and in obstetrical care situations to collectively act in avoiding it. Within the obstetrical team, the attenuation of hierarchy and the participation in decisions making could be structural preventative measures against obstetrical violence. Research about obstetrical violence, specifically in Europe, has to be continued.

Ethical criteria and conflict of interests: The research was submitted to an ethics committee. It was financed from own resources. There is no conflict of interest.