2023 Volume 23 Issue 2 Pages 24-31
This study investigated ways of providing midwifery care that includes remote birth attendance and explored related issues. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with midwives at facilities that have introduced remote birth attendance and subjected to qualitative and inductive analysis. Eight themes regarding midwifery care that accommodates remote birth attendance were identified. Six of these themes concerned the method of providing care that is devised by midwives, in particular encouragement of preparation for remote birth attendance in line with the woman’s wishes and remote involvement of the father in the birth. Two themes reflected problems recognized by midwives when providing care, namely the confusion caused by being away from the birth attendant and the harmful effects of absence of the attendant. These findings suggest that midwives must provide face-to-face care and remote care simultaneously and be aware of both the mother and the remote birth attendant so that both parties can benefit from remote attendance of childbirth along with education on preparation for childbirth. Furthermore, unexpected events can occur during childbirth, suggesting the importance of care during pregnancy.
