Using Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology for midwifery research studies

The aim of this article is to encourage midwives to reflect on hermeneutic studies in relation to their own practice or to consider using it for qualitative research, discussing the applicability of Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology. Hermeneutic approaches take into account the subject’s prior experience and knowledge, making it useful for working with women and understanding their perspectives. This article is grounded in my experience of undertaking my own PhD – a study on the transition to parenthood for couples with an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) pregnancy. It explains some of the broad concepts of hermeneutic phenomenology and how they align with the practice and underlying theoretical concepts of midwifery