# Nurse Midwives’ Perspectives on Women’s Vocalization During the First and Second Stages of Labor: A Qualitative Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how nurse midwives view women's vocalization during labor and highlights the need for training to support women's voices in childbirth.

## Contribution

The study introduces new insights into midwives' attitudes toward vocalization during labor and suggests practical training improvements.

## Key findings

- Six themes were identified regarding midwives' perspectives on vocalization during labor.
- Midwives showed varying attitudes from respect to control regarding women's vocalization.
- Training modules on vocalization are recommended to address biases in midwifery.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Women’s vocalization during labor can be highly influenced by the attitudes and practices of nurse midwives. This study analyzed the perspectives of nurse midwives regarding women’s vocalization in the first and second stages of labor (n = 16). Methods: Descriptive study using semi-structured interviews analyzed through lexical analysis with IraMuTeQ software. Data collection took place between February and April 2024. Results: The analysis revealed six thematic classes: “Attitude toward vocalization”, “Significance of women’s self-image”, “Resistance and acceptance of vocalization”, “Control and inhibition of vocalization”, “Advantages and disadvantages of vocalization”, and “Usefulness of vocalization in caregiving”. Conclusions: There are different attitudes among nurse midwives toward women’s vocalization, ranging from respect to paternalistic control. Practical implications include the urgent need for curricular modules on vocalization in midwifery training programs and the deconstruction of biases that silence women’s voices during childbirth.