First-time mothers' perspectives on relationships with and between midwives and doctors: Insights from a qualitative study of giving birth in New Zealand

Abstract

Objectiveto explore the experience of giving birth for first-time New Zealand mothers. Designqualitative methodology was employed to obtain an in-depth insight into the birth experience using semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face 11 days to 16 weeks (median 13.5 weeks) after giving birth were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Settingthe interviews were of a small group of New Zealand mothers. Participantsten first-time mothers aged 24–38 years (median 31.5 years) participated. Measurementstranscripts were analysed using a phenomenological form of thematic analysis. Findingsa core theme was relationship issues. Two subthemes were delineated: lack of relationship between mothers and midwives and doctors; and the conflict between midwives and doctors. Key conclusionspersonal, caring and co-operative relationships with all maternity care professionals were basic to New Zealand mothers feeling good about their birth experience. Implications for practiserelationships, with and between, all maternity care professionals merit further investigation in an effort to optimise birth satisfaction.