From hopelessness to some hope: A qualitative interpretive research project to improve birthing experiences in Jordan

• Published in: Sexual & reproductive healthcare 2021-02, Vol.27, p.100580-100580, Article 100580
• Main Authors: Hussein, Suha Abed Almajeed Abdallah, Dahlen, Hannah G., Ogunsiji, Olayide, Schmied, Virginia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Birth; Middle East; Midwifery; Women's empowerment, gender equity; Women’s experience
• ISSN: 1877-5756; 1877-5764
• DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2020.100580

•Women’s perspectives are often absent in studies that focus on making change in maternity care practices, particularly studies in the Middle East.•The study demonstrates the significant challenges of making change in maternity care in the Middle East particularly the impact of patriarchal society and a medically dominated health system.•There is great value in bringing together birthing women and midwives to share birth stories and experiences and over time has the potential to bring about change in maternity care practices in Jordan. Many women living in Middle Eastern countries report negative, dehumanising experiences of childbirth. Finding effective ways of changing maternity care to improve women’s experience is needed but is challenging. This paper explores the potential strategies to improve birthing experiences of women in Jordan and identifies the facilitators and obstacles to change. A qualitative interpretive research design underpinned by a feminist approach was used. Seventeen community women, 14 midwives and midwifery leaders were engaged in workshops and face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis undertaken. An overarching theme “From hopelessness to some hope” emerged from data analysis and comprised of two themes: ‘It’s hopeless-there are so many obstacles’; and ‘Finding some hope for the way forward’. The community women were unhappy with the current maternity services but accepted the situation. Midwives offered explanations for the way women are treated, including that women have no voice. For these participants, the obstacles seemed almost insurmountable; however, there was some hope expressed about potential for small changes to occur. This study highlights the value of women and midwives sharing experiences and listening to the stories of women. Listening to women’s birth stories may also be an important element of undergraduate and continuing education in Jordan. Small changes, such as promoting women’s dignity by ensuring they are covered during birth are possible, but real change needs to be generated at a professional and societal level.