Student midwives’ clinical learning experiences regarding continuous midwifery support during labour: A qualitative study from a medicalized maternity care context

Background Clinical practice in midwifery education provides a critical learning area for students to internalize a woman-centred approach to care and develop their professional identity. Continuous midwifery support during labour is a fundamental component of woman-centred care and is associated with positive maternal and infant outcomes.Aim The aim of this study is to determine student midwives' views and experiences regarding continuous midwifery support during labour and to identify the factors shaping these experiences.Design The study was conducted using a qualitative descriptive design.Methods The sample consisted of 18 fourth-year students enrolled in the midwifery department of a foundation university in May 2024 who had completed their labour and childbirth room internship. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview form.Results The analysis of the data revealed five main themes. These themes were identified as the meaning of continuous midwifery support during labour, boundaries of continuous support in practice, perceived benefits of continuous midwifery support, need for awareness and education, and professional identity and future orientation.Conclusions Student midwives perceived continuous midwifery support as a fundamental component of woman-centred care and professional midwifery practice. However, despite having theoretically adopted this approach, students are unable to fully implement it in clinical practice due to systemic boundaries. Taken together, these findings underscore the need to holistically strengthen midwifery education, clinical practice, and health policies in order to promote the widespread adoption of continuous midwifery support.