Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present study was to clarify midwife recognition of the types of negative support (NS) they provide for pregnant and parturient women, the factors related to NS and the consequences generated by NS.
Objects and Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 9 midwives who worked in a hospital. The semantic content of discussions relating to NS were parsed, coded, and categorized, and subcategories and categories were established.
Results
Attribute of NS was comprised of 2 categories: "speech and behavior of the midwife providing NS", and "reactions of the women who received NS". Moreover, the following 3 categories related to NS were recognized: human factors, environmental factors, and system factors. Human factors were grouped into 3 subcategories: "women characteristics," "midwife characteristics," and "communication." Environmental factors were grouped into 2 subcategories: "human environment" and "work environment." System factors included one subcategory: "hospital and ward system." In addition, the following 2 consequences of NS were recognized: "perception and subsequent response after NS" and "what midwives gained through the NS experience." Perception and subsequent response after NS was classified into 4 subcategories: "midwife's feelings after recognizing NS," "midwife's response after recognizing NS," hospital and ward response to NS," and "women's response after NS was dealt with." What midwives gained from the NS experience was also classified into 4 subcategories: "increased awareness of midwife care," "heightened identity as a midwife," "definition of NS," and "remaining unresolved issues for midwives."
Conclusion
When supporting pregnant and parturient women, who are physically and emotionally unstable, the present findings suggest the importance of first developing an interest in, respecting and having compassion for the women and considering things from their perspective. During the process of confirming the women's intentions, investigating and explaining "why" something is necessary, being grateful for their various signals, having time to review how communication should be conducted, and applying experiences of failure are also believed to be important.
