title: How can midwives promote a normal birth and a positive birth experience? The experience of first-time Norwegian mothers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of first-time mothers regarding how the midwife may promote a normal birth and a positive birth experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative approach was chosen for data collection, and the data presented are based on in-depth interviews. Twelve healthy, first-time Norwegian mothers, aged 22-34, who had experienced a normal and positive childbirth were interviewed five to six weeks after giving birth. The transcribed interviews were analysed with the help of systematic text condensation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings included two main themes: "To be seen as an individual" and "Health-promoting perspective". The experience of being cared for by a midwife who provides presence is vital for the woman to be seen as an individual. When the midwife has a health-promoting perspective, she can more easily assist the woman in developing inner strength and coping strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Midwives have a pivotal role in helping to promote a normal birth and positive birth experience. The women consider the midwife's attitude and behaviour as essential for their ability to feel safe and cared for. The midwife's individualized and motivating approach promotes the women's inner strength and belief in their own capability to handle the birth. Based on this salutogenic view, the midwife must focus on the woman's resources in order to promote good health during the childbearing process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Olav Kyrres gt. 17, 7006 Trondheim, Norway. Electronic address: unn.dahlberg@stolav.no.
authors.forename: Unn
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Dahlberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Olav Kyrres gt. 17, 7006 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Janicke
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Persen
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Olav Kyrres gt. 17, 7006 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Ann-Karin
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Skogås
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Olav Kyrres gt. 17, 7006 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Siv-Tonje
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Selboe
authors.affiliation: Molde Hospital, Parkvegen 84, 6407 Molde, Norway.
authors.forename: Helen Marit
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Torvik
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Science, Department of Nursing Science, Sør-Trøndelag University College, Mauritz Hansens Gate 2, 7004 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Ingvild
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aune
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009664:Norway; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D036801:Parturition; D011247:Pregnancy; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Birth experience; Health promotion; Normal childbirth; Salutogenesis; Women's view