‘I might have cried in the changing room, but I still went to work’. Maternity staff balancing roles, responsibilities, and emotions of work and home during COVID-19: An appreciative inquiry

Abstract

ProblemKnowing how to help staff thrive and remain in practice in maternity services. BackgroundA chronic shortage of staff in maternity services in the United Kingdom and high levels of stress and burnout in midwifery and medical staff. PurposeTo understand how to support and enhance the wellbeing of staff in a small UK maternity service. MethodsAn appreciative inquiry using interviews with n = 39 maternity staff and n = 4 group discussions exploring meaningful experiences, values and factors that helped their wellbeing. ResultsStaff members were highly motivated, managing a complex melee of emotions and responsibilities including challenges to professional confidence, mental health, family situation, and conflict between work-life roles. Despite staff shortages, a demanding workload, professional and personal turmoil, and the pandemic participants still found meaning in their work and relationships. DiscussionA ‘whole person’ approach provided insight into the multiple stressors and emotional demands staff faced. It also revealed staff resourcefulness in managing their professional and personal roles. They invested in relationships with women but were also aware of their limits - the need to be self-caring, employ strategies to switch-off, set boundaries or keep a protective distance. ConclusionStaff wellbeing initiatives, and research into wellbeing, would benefit from adopting a holistic approach that incorporates home and family with work. Research on emotion regulation strategies could provide insights into managing roles, responsibilities, and the emotional demands of working in maternity services. Emotion regulation strategies could be included in midwifery and obstetric training.