The lived experiences of midwives with spirituality in childbirth: mana from heaven

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of midwives who experienced the phenomenon of spirituality when they attended births.

Methods: The research design was descriptive, using a transcendental phenomenological approach reflected in Moustakas' model. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit the sample of 10 certified nurse-midwives.

Results: The major findings of this study consisted of 5 theme categories that revealed the essential structure of the midwives' lived experiences of spirituality during childbirth: belief in the existence of a higher power, the essence of spirituality, birth is spiritual, the essence of midwifery, and relationships.

Discussion: The midwives in the study experienced spirituality as an integral and essential component of childbirth. The midwives reported using elements of spirituality as instruments that helped them assist their clients through the process of pregnancy and birth. The midwives also revealed their dependence on spirituality and belief in a higher being who guided their lives and their calling to midwifery.