ABSTRACT
Based on an ethnographic narrative study conducted in Iceland, this chapter uncovers spiritual aspects of childbirth that link to the midwife-with-woman relationship, having impact on the development of different ways of knowing in midwifery care and emotional as well as physical safety in the place of birth. The aim of the study was to explore the culture of midwives’ working life, their experiences, knowledge and skills. The narrative analysis showed that when people tell stories, tacit norms and unconscious notions come to light. The narratives of this study provided new insights of the diversity of heath care around childbirth. The work contributes to new understandings about aspects of spirituality and different kind of knowledge around childbirth that have been put aside in contemporary healthcare but need to be considered in future organization of maternity services.
