The power of shared philosophy: a study of midwives' perceptions of alternative birth care in Norway

Helberget, Lindis; Fylkesnes, Anne-Margrethe; Crawford, Paul; Svindseth, Marit

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore important factors that promote the best possible health for mother and child during pregnancy, birth and post-birth in an alternative birth clinic (ABC) in Norway.

Design: The authors used in-depth interviews to identify factors important in ABCs according to the holistic treatment model in the philosophy of ABCs.

Methods: Transcription and text condensation were achieved by looking for text to find themes and subthemes to explore daily activities and the role of empowerment.

Results: The most important factors were teaching women how to cope, mentally and practically, and being true to the philosophy of ABCs. Factors connected to empowerment of the women were strengthening their ability to make good decisions, their ability to cope practically, and the midwives' ability to step back and let the women gradually take responsibility.

Conclusions: The ABC in this study reflected theoretical principles for ABCs. Midwives shared common opinions of important factors empowering women.

Citation

Helberget, L., Fylkesnes, A., Crawford, P., & Svindseth, M. (2016). The power of shared philosophy: a study of midwives' perceptions of alternative birth care in Norway. British Journal of Midwifery, 24(2), 101-107. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2016.24.2.101

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 19, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Feb 4, 2016
• Publication Date: Feb 4, 2016
• Deposit Date: Feb 3, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 3, 2017
• Journal: British Journal of Midwifery
• Print ISSN: 0969-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-4307
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 101-107
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2016.24.2.101
• Keywords: Empowerment, Alternative birth care, Pregnancy care,Birth, Postnatal
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/777095
• Publisher URL: http://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/10.12968/bjom.2016.24.2.101