THE EXPERIENCE OF LABOR - A PERSPECTIVE FROM THOSE RECEIVING CARE IN A MIDWIFE LED UNIT

Aim: to elucidate the experience of labour for those receiving any asp ect of care in a midwife-led unit. Participants: a total of 32 women a nd six partners who were interviewed during the postnatal period, eith er prior to discharge from the unit or between three and five months f ollowing delivery. Method: in-depth focused interviews were taped, tra nscribed, and analysed using a grounded theory approach to identify co mmon categories of experience. Findings: the core category to emerge w as the balance of perceived control and perceived support, Sub-categor ies included feeling informed, having options and choices, a supportiv e environment and someone to trust and give confidence, Continuity of care was found not to be an option for those whose care was transferre d during pregnancy or labour. Conclusions: staffing levels which provi de immediate access to the support of the midwife throughout labour en hance personal control, Those with the greatest need for support and c ontinuity of care and carer are among those least likely to receive it .