Neonatal resuscitation after birth: Swedish midwives’ experiences of and perceptions about separation of mothers and their newborn babies

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate midwives’ experiences of and perceptions about mother–baby separation during resuscitation of the baby following birth. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using an author-designed questionnaire. Fifty-four midwives from two Swedish birth units with different working methods regarding neonatal resuscitation – at the mother’s bedside in the birth room or in a designated resuscitation room outside the birth room – completed the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Most midwives had experience of removing a newborn baby in need of critical care from the birth room, thus separating the mother and baby. The midwives identified the difficulties and challenges involved in carrying out emergency care in the birth room after birth and had divergent opinions about what they considered possible in these birth situations. They agreed on the benefits, for both mother and baby, in performing emergency care in the birth room and avoiding a separation altogether, if possible. CONCLUSIONS: There are good opportunities to reduce separation of mother and baby after birth; training, knowledge, education and the right environmental conditions are important factors in successfully implementing new ways of working. It is possible to work towards reducing separation and this work should continue and strive to eliminate separation as far as possible.