Mana From Heaven: The Essential Structure of the Lived Experiences of Nurse-Midwives with the Concept of Spirituality in Childbirth A Phenomenological

Spirituality is a subject of growing interest and relevance in health care. Yet, very little research has been done relating to health and spirituality in general, and even less research specifically relating to midwifery, childbirth, and spirituality. The purpose of this study was to describe the essential structure of the lived experiences of midwives who said they have experienced the phenomenon of spirituality when they have attended childbirths. The research design was descriptive, using a transcendental phenomenological approach reflected in Clark Moustakas' model. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit the sample of 10 female certified nurse- midwives. The major findings of this study consisted of five Theme Categories: Belief in the Existence of a Higher Power, The Essence of Spirituality, Birth is Spiritual, The Essence of Midwifery, and Relationships. The results added new knowledge from the themes described in all five of the theme categories. The midwives interviewed for this study validate the assumption that spirituality is an integral and essential component of childbirth. The midwives described in detail, what the meaning of spirituality was for them, how they had experienced it, how it affected their personal lives, their practices, and their calling to midwifery. The midwives had experienced spirituality when attending childbirth, and used elements of spirituality as instruments that helped them to assist their patients. Spirituality also helped to foster the relationships between the midwives and the birthing families. The midwives revealed their dependence on spirituality and a belief in a Higher Being who guided their lives and their work as midwives