Midwives' experiences of doula support for immigrant women in Sweden--a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To describe and analyse midwives' experiences of doula support for immigrant women in Sweden.

Design: Qualitative study, analysed using content analysis. Data were collected via interviews.

Setting: Interviews were conducted at the midwives' workplaces. One midwife was interviewed at a cafe.

Participants: Ten midwives, who participated voluntarily and worked in maternity health care in western Sweden.

Findings: The interview data generated three main categories. (1) 'A doula is a facilitator for the midwife' has two subcategories, 'In relation to the midwife' and 'In comparison with an interpreter', (2) 'Confident women giving support,' has two subcategories, 'Personal characteristics and attitudes' and 'Good support,' (3) 'Doulas cover shortcomings' has two subcategories, 'In relation to maternity care' and 'In relation to ethnicity'.

Key conclusion and implications for practice: The findings of this study show that midwives experience that doulas are a facilitator for them. Doulas provide support by enhancing the degree of peace and security and improving communication with the women in childbirth. Doulas provide increased opportunities for transcultural care. They may increase childbearing women's confidence and satisfaction, help meet the diverse needs of childbearing women and improve care quality.