Childbirth Experiences of Women Who Attended Midwife-Led Antenatal Training or Antenatal School Care from Midwives` Point of View: A Qualitative Study

Objective: To explore midwives’ perspectives on the childbirth experiences of women who attended midwife-led antenatal training or antenatal school. Methods: A qualitative study employing a phenomenological approach. Eighteen midwives who had experienced midwifery practices on facilitating normal childbirth of pregnant women who attended the midwife-led antenatal training or antenatal class were recruited. All participants had experience in facilitating normal births for women who had attended midwife-led antenatal training or antenatal school. Data were collected through individual, in-depth semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using a conventional content approach and MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020 software. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) the impact of women’s childbirth experiences, (2) the quality of support in woman-centred care, (3) reliable and supportive relationships, and (4) antenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Antenatal training or antenatal school positively changed the childbirth perception of pregnant women, increased their self-confidence, and led strengthened their belief in giving childbirth. Women who have received positive childbirth experiences increased childbirth satisfaction. Furthermore, it can be more likely to build effective communication based on respect and trust between pregnant women who have received antenatal training and midwives. Antenatal training led by midwives enhances women’s confidence, strengthens mother–midwife bonds, and supports woman-centred care by fostering positive childbirth experiences. The findings of this study highlighted that antenatal training contributed positively to women`s pregnancy experience, childbirth, and postpartum processes and their relationships with midwives and their babies. Facilitating antenatal education widespread and inclusive seems to be an essential tool that contributes to woman-centred care and positive childbirth experience.