gms | German Medical Science

Background: Until the nineteenth century, midwives had to have own children as a precondition to be able to work [1]. Today, the question if they have own children is still common to midwives. In social psychology, there are references for an influence of experiences on behavior, which could be transmitted on the influence of birth experiences on the midwives’ obstetrical care [2]. Information on the effect on midwives’ work cannot be found in literature.

Aim/Research Question: The project’s aim is to determine the effect of midwives’ own birth experiences on their professional work. It focusses on possible changes in their work after they have given birth themselves. It is also interesting to see the importance parents attach to the midwives’ own birth experience from the midwives’ point of view.

Methods: The qualitative investigation is based on three guideline-supported interviews with clinically and non-clinically active midwives. They were found by using gatekeepers. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Included were midwives who had already given birth to children whose age should not have exceeded ten years at the time of the interview. The midwives interviewed worked in midwifery care for at least half a year both before their first birth and after the birth of one or more children. The evaluation was carried out by means of a structuring content analysis according to Mayring [3].

Results: In the work of the participants, many attitudes and behaviours have stayed the same. Changes are particularly noticeable on the relationship level with women and also affect the design of pregnancy and postpartum care for midwives. From the midwives’ point of view, parents see an advantage in the fact that midwives have already given birth themselves but see no disadvantage if they have no children.

Relevance: The analysis confirms the relevance of the topic for midwifery work and gives a first insight into the professional work of midwives in the context of their own birth experience.

Conclusion: The perspectives of midwives provide important insights into the design of obstetric care by midwives. Further research is needed to provide a comprehensive picture of the influence of midwives’ own birth experiences on their professional actions. The results will be used to stimulate discussion among midwives.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: No vote on ethics was obtained. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.