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Abstract Background Childbirth is a transformative experience, yet a considerable percentage of women worldwide encounter negative birth events, affecting maternal wellbeing and mental health. The choice of birth setting significantly impacts outcomes, with midwifery-led units often associated with lower intervention rates and higher satisfaction levels. The recent introduction of midwifery-led units in Spain presents a unique opportunity to explore the impact of this model within a medicalized healthcare context. Aim To capture the depth and diversity of women’s voices, understanding factors influencing their perceptions of childbirth experiences following the introduction of the first midwifery-led unit in the Spanish Healthcare System. Methods A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach within the constructivist paradigm. Four focus groups were conducted including nineteen women who gave birth in a hospital with both an obstetric and a midwifery-led unit. Findings Three main themes were identified; ‘Shaping birth expectations’, highlighting the influence of cultural and social contexts on women’s childbirth expectations; ‘The childbirth essentials’, incorporating fundamental characteristics related to the model of care; and ‘Navigating the protective factors’, considering the pivotal role of midwives in delivering compassionate and respectful care. Conclusion These findings offer valuable insights into childbirth experiences, advocating for a transformation of the medicalized healthcare system in Spain through the integration of midwifery-led units. By prioritising women’s voices and addressing systemic inequalities, healthcare policymakers can enhance maternal care practices and foster positive childbirth experiences for all women.
Palau‐Costafreda et al. (Thu,) studied this question.