Qualitative research, particularly phenomenology, is increasingly popular as a method for midwifery and health-related research. These approaches enable rich and detailed explanations to be uncovered and bring experience to life. Important recommendations and practice- based implications may then be raised and debated for future use. This book brings together a range of phenomenological methods and insights into one accessible text.

Illustrated with plenty of examples of successful phenomenological research, Qualitative Research in Midwifery and Childbirth keeps the focus applied to midwifery and childbirth and makes clear the links to practice throughout. The book introduces three key phenomenological approaches - descriptive, interpretive and the life world - and includes a comparative chapter which discusses the differences between these varied perspectives and methods. Each chapter focuses on how these approaches are used within midwifery research. The remaining chapters present a number of different research projects. These demonstrate how different phenomenological approaches have been used to explore and uncover experiences of childbirth and maternity as well as offering important insights into how women experience different facets of the birth experience during the antenatal, intra-partum and postnatal period.

Designed for researchers and students undertaking research projects on midwifery and childbirth, this text includes contributions from a range of international and highly regarded phenomenological authors and researchers.

Gill Thomson is a social scientist with extensive experience of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis in health and social care settings. She is currently Research Fellow at University of Central Lancashire, UK.

Fiona Dykes is Professor of Maternal and Infant Health and Director of the Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Unit (MAINN) at University of Central Lancashire, UK. She is also an Adjunct Professor at University of Western Sydney. Fiona's research and teaching focuses on the global, socio-cultural and political influences upon infant and young child feeding practices.

Soo Downe is Professor of Midwifery Studies at University of Central Lancashire, UK. Her main research focus is the nature of, and culture around, normal birth. She is the editor of Normal Childbirth: Evidence and Debate (2004, 2008), and the founder of the International Normal Birth Research conference series.