Self-Compassion and Psychosocial Well-Being After Traumatic Births: Caring for the Midwife

Introduction: Midwives report high rates of exposure to traumatic births that can negatively affect their psychosocial well-being. Self-compassion can be considered as a tool to promote psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of midwives’ exposure to traumatic births and explore midwives’ self-compassion and its correlation to their psychosocial well-being in relation to experiences of traumatic births. Methods: In a cross-sectional correlational study, data were collected using an electronic questionnaire by way of social networks and the website of the Israel Midwives Association. Inclusion criteria were certified Israeli midwives working in a hospital delivery room and able to read and write Hebrew. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts: a demographic section, a traumatic events in perinatal care list, a self-compassion scale–short form, and a psychosocial health and well-being tool (short form of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire). Results: The most common traumatic event reported was death. Self-compassion and psychosocial health and well-being were found to be at a medium-high level (mean [SD], 40.66 [6.5]; 38.33 [13.03]), and correlated significantly (r = 0.339; P <.001). There was a significant interaction effect between low self-compassion (mean, ≤3.17) and exposure to traumatic birth in the last year on psychosocial well-being compared with those who were not exposed to traumatic birth in the last year (F_2,103 = 3.25; P =.043). No significant effect was found in those women with medium (mean, 3.18-3.67) or high (mean, ≥3.68) self-compassion. Discussion: Self-compassion is related to the psychosocial health and well-being of midwives exposed to traumatic birth. Self-compassion can be learned and should be considered for inclusion in midwives’ basic and continuing education.