Digital midwifery care – Blurring boundaries and finding new paths for midwifery care during pregnancy and postpartum: A qualitative study on Swedish midwives’ experiences

In recent years, digital health interventions have increased in society. Swedish midwifery care is no exception, as digital solutions are increasingly being used during pregnancy and postpartum care for expectant and new parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore midwives' experiences of digital midwifery care and information during pregnancy and postpartum. Focus groups and individual interviews were held with fourteen Swedish midwives working within antenatal care. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The results are presented in one overall theme: Digital Midwifery Care - Blurring boundaries and finding new paths for midwifery care, and three themes: Digital midwifery care is shaped by organizational prerequisites constraining and supporting; Digital midwifery care poses challenges establishing trustful relationships, and Digital midwifery care enhances accessibility, enabling participation. Digital midwifery care is experienced by midwives as blurring the boundaries and finding new paths for midwifery care. Midwives negotiate with themselves, not losing the caring relationship as a core dimension of midwifery. Digital transformation within midwifery care has altered midwives' way of working, and thus probably also their approach to caring.