Barnmorskors tankar kring och upplevelser av att bemöta samkönade par på förlossning : Inställning till homokompetens

Sammanfattning:   The aim of this study was to describe the experiences and thoughts among midwives when encountering same sex couples at the maternity ward. Further, the aim was to explore the midwives attitudes towards education about special needs among same sex couples and their thoughts about contents and design of such education. The study had a descriptive design using a qualitative method. The data was collected through interviews with 10 midwives in February 2009. The midwives worked at two different maternity wards. At ward A the midwives had participated in education about special needs among same sex couples while the midwives at ward B worked according to traditional manners. The overall result of the study showed that the midwives from both wards had experiences of positive nature when encountering same sex couples. They also had a positive attitude towards education and thoughts about contents and design of such education. Despite their positive experiences the midwives reported several difficulties when encountering same sex couples and also differences between these couples and heterosexual couples. Mainly the midwives at ward A expressed specific difficulties and differences. The difficulties were experienced in the interaction between the midwife and the couple and concerned communication as well as difficulties during examinations. Due to the specific difficulties and differences the midwives at ward A were of the opinion that the care should be adapted to the needs of same sex couples, in order to optimize the overall care.