Beyond the numbers: A phenomenological analysis of women's childbirth experiences in Spain’s evolving healthcare system
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- dc.contributor.author Palau-Costafreda, Roser
- dc.contributor.author Nar Devi, Sonia
- dc.contributor.author Gil Poisa, Maria
- dc.contributor.author Pajares Manso, Amaia
- dc.contributor.author España Vela, Ana
- dc.contributor.author Obregón Gutiérrez, Noemí
- dc.contributor.author Escuriet Peiró, Ramón, 1968-
- dc.contributor.author Julià, Mireia
- dc.contributor.author Graells-Sans, Ariadna
- dc.date.accessioned 2025-07-16T12:43:14Z
- dc.date.available 2025-07-16T12:43:14Z
- dc.date.issued 2024
- dc.description.abstract Introduction: Childbirth is a transformative experience, yet many women worldwide encounter negative birth events that affect maternal wellbeing and mental health. The choice of birth setting significantly impacts outcomes, with midwifery-led units often associated with lower intervention rates and higher satisfaction levels. The recent introduction of midwifery-led units in Spain presents a unique opportunity to explore the impact of this model within a medicalized healthcare context. This study aims to understand the factors influencing women's perceptions of childbirth following the introduction of the first midwifery-led unit in the Spanish Healthcare System. Methods: This qualitative study employs a phenomenological approach within the constructivist paradigm. Four virtual focus groups were conducted with 19 women who gave birth in a hospital offering both an obstetric unit and an midwifery-led unit. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged: ‘Shaping birth expectations’, highlighting the influence of social factors, family dynamics, and previous experiences on women’s childbirth expectations; ‘The childbirth essentials’, focusing on fundamental characteristics related to the model of care; and ‘Navigating the protective factors’, considering the central role of midwives in providing compassionate and respectful care. Conclusions: This study highlights the crucial role of expectations, care models, and midwifery roles in shaping childbirth experiences. The findings advocate for transforming Spain's medicalized healthcare system by integrating midwifery-led care units. By adopting a more biopsychosocial approach, healthcare providers and policymakers can promote respectful, individualized care, ultimately enhancing positive childbirth experiences for all women.
- dc.format.mimetype application/pdf
- dc.identifier.citation Palau-Costafreda R, Nar-Devi S, Gil-Poisa M, Pajares Manso A, España Vela A, Obregón Gutiérrez N, et al. Beyond the numbers: A phenomenological analysis of women's childbirth experiences in Spain’s evolving healthcare system. European Journal of Midwifery. 2024;8(October):1-9. DOI: 10.18332/ejm/191895
- dc.identifier.doi http://dx.doi.org/10.18332/ejm/191895
- dc.identifier.issn 2585-2906
- dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/10230/70937
- dc.language.iso eng
- dc.publisher European Publishing
- dc.relation.ispartof European Journal of Midwifery. 2024;8(October):1-9
- dc.rights © 2024 Palau-Costafreda R. et al. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- dc.rights.accessRights info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
- dc.rights.uri http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
- dc.subject.keyword Patient-centered care
- dc.subject.keyword Midwifery care
- dc.subject.keyword Qualitative method
- dc.subject.keyword Midwifery-led unit
- dc.subject.keyword Childbirth experience
- dc.subject.keyword Childbirth expectations
- dc.title Beyond the numbers: A phenomenological analysis of women's childbirth experiences in Spain’s evolving healthcare system
- dc.type info:eu-repo/semantics/article
- dc.type.version info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion