A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION PROVIDED BY MIDWIVES IN SWEDEN

Objective: to describe the content, modes of working and reaction/interaction of childbirth education provided by midwives in Sweden. Design: qualitative, using non-participant observation to collect the data. Grounded theory approach was used. Setting: antenatal classes provided in the community in Sweden. Participants: twelve midwives with varying lengths of experience in teaching antenatal classes, and the prospective parents who attended these classes. Measurements and findings: three perspectives on the content and three modes of working were found. Combinations of the differing perspectives and working modes provided differing interactions within the classes. Key conclusions: the confirming/mixed model resulted in dialogue in the classes. It was assumed that this model would contribute to an increased understanding of the coming experience of giving birth. Implications for practice: the findings provide midwives with a basis for reflection on their experiences as leaders in the childbirth preparation part of education for parenthood.