Spirituality and childbirth: An international virtual co–operative inquiry

Medicalised maternity systems do not address spirituality as an aspect of childbirth and its practices care. Neglecting the spiritual nature may negatively affect psychological, emotional physical wellbeing. While there is growing interest in side a paucity literature on topic, hence lack understanding generally about how to attend women’s needs for support childbirth. To collaboratively through consensus explore ways that could be honoured 2st Century An online co-operative inquiry. Starting with scoping exercise (N = 17) nine co-inquirers continued Phase One using discussion boards seven Two Three. Co-inquirers were involved international group work individual reflective transformational processes throughout. Four themes emerged: ‘meaning sense-making’; ‘birth culture’; ‘embodied relationships intuition’; ‘space/place/time’. ‘Spiritual midwifing’ was overarching theme. There eight areas transformation actions concerning birth: 1) disseminating inquiry findings; 2) motivating conversations new thinking; 3) remembering interconnectedness across time spaces; 4) transforming relationships; 5) practice; 6) generating reflexivity; 7) inspiring self others change, 8) creativity. Spiritual awareness around birth experience emerges affected by spatial environment. midwifing relational approach care recognises honours existential significance meaningfulness