A descriptive study of childbirth education provided by midwives in Sweden.
OBJECTIVE
to describe the content, modes of working and reaction/interaction of childbirth education provided by midwives in Sweden.


METHODS
qualitative, using non-participant observation to collect the data. Grounded theory approach was used.


METHODS
antenatal classes provided in the community in Sweden.


METHODS
twelve midwives with varying lengths of experience in teaching antenatal classes, and the prospective parents who attended these classes.


RESULTS
three perspectives on the content and three modes of working were found. Combinations of the differing perspectives and working modes provided differing interactions within the classes.


CONCLUSIONS
the confirming/mixed model resulted in dialogue in the classes. It was assumed that this model would contribute to an increased understanding of the coming experience of giving birth.


CONCLUSIONS
the findings provide midwives with a basis for reflection on their experiences as leaders in the childbirth preparation part of education for parenthood.
Hallgren
A
A
Kihlgren
M
M
Norberg
A
A
D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009721:Nurse Midwives; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013548:Sweden