Objectives. The objective of this study was to describe first-time mothers’ experiences and reflections of their first birth. Study Design. This study is a part of a larger study which was carried out in southwestern Sweden in 2008. A qualitative method with content analysis was chosen for this study. The unit of data was 14 written narratives from the first-time mothers. Results. The theme “To be empowered increases first-time mothers’ chances for a positive birth experience” crossed over into all the three categories: “To trust the body and to face the pain,” “Interaction between body and mind in giving birth,” and “Consistency of support.” Conclusion. In order to feel confident in their first childbirth, the women wanted to be confirmed and seen as unique individuals by the professionals and their partner. If professionals responded to the individual woman’s needs of support, the woman more often had a positive birth experience, even if the birth was protracted or with medical complications. 1. Introduction The health care around childbirth has recently been concentrating on complications and risks for mother and child. The obstetric outcome has been focused on more than women’s experience [1]. Giving birth is one of the most important events in life, which is a highly individual experience. The experience of childbirth plays a major role in how first-time mothers will develop good self-esteem [2], positive feelings for the baby, and an easier adjustment to motherhood role [3, 4], and also future childbirth experiences [4]. In order to provide better individual support to women during childbirth, the health care providers are required to put more focus on psychosocial aspects, but without neglecting medical safety [5]. In a study by Waldenstr？m et al., it was found that the 10th woman in Sweden is so affected by their fear and anxiety before the birth that they seek professional help [6]. Melender reported the following factors which women are afraid of during pregnancy and childbirth: fear of childbirth, caesarean section, mother and infant health, health care professionals’ actions, and subsequent family life [7]. Causes of fear can be that women had been frightened by others’ stories of different problems. Fear appeared in the form of stress and effects on daily life as to avoid pregnancy and childbirth and a desire to have a caesarean [7]. Berg et al. also stress women’s unique needs of support during birth, such as to be seen as an individual and to have a trusting relationship [8]. It has also been shown that women want a sense of security and
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