Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40641737›Full record

ArticleEuropean journal of midwifery2025

A salutogenic approach to early labor midwifery care in Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland: A qualitative study.

Mie Gaarskjaer de Wolff, Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin, Antonia Ν Mueller, Maja Bodin, Nanna Β Pagh, Karin Ängeby

Abstract read
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Article in European journal of midwifery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Mie Gaarskjaer de WolffDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynocology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Susanne Grylka-BaeschlinResearch Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Health Sciences, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland.
Antonia Ν MuellerResearch Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Health Sciences, ZHAW Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland.
Maja BodinNational Centre for Knowledge on Men's Violence Against Women, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Nanna Β PaghDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynocology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Karin ÄngebyCentre for Clinical Research and Education, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionEarly labor is critical in shaping birth experiences, and women seek midwifery care to manage challenges during this stage. A salutogenic attitude, focusing on positive experiences and health promotion, is needed instead of the current pathogenic maternity model. This study aimed to understand how midwives support women's positive early labor experience and to identify key elements contributing to salutogenic midwifery care practices during early labor.

methodsWe employed a qualitative study design, conducting nine focus group discussions (FGDs) with 39 women in Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland. First, data were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach to capture codes. Second, a salutogenic best-fit framework guided the analysis, structuring the data into three domains: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Within domains, sub-themes were identified to elucidate how midwifery care might contribute to positive early labor experiences.

resultsComprehensibility was achieved when women trusted midwives to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to individual needs to help them comprehend the maternity system. Manageability was experienced when midwives guided women through the uncertainties of early labor and provided plans when needed. Meaningfulness was created through availability, accessibility, and emotional support. Continuity of care was an underlying foundation for a positive experience of all three domains.

conclusionsA salutogenic midwifery approach, centering on flexibility and individualization, was essential to women's positive experiences cross-nationally. Salutogenic midwifery care during early labor reduced anxiety and enhanced emotional resilience. Our findings underscore the importance of salutogenic midwifery care for women in early labor, which should be recognized and implemented in maternity care settings.

Indexed as

cross-national studylatent phasematernity caremidwifery carequalitative researchsalutogenesis

Identifiers

PMID40641737
PMCPMC12242848

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.