The essential meanings that emerged were a sense of not being present in the delivery room and an
incomplete childbirth experience. The women felt as if they had no place there, that they were unable to take their
place, and that even if the midwife was presentshe did not provide support. The experience remained etched in the
women’s minds and gave rise to feelings of fear, loneliness, and lack of faith in their ability to give birth and diminished
trust in maternity care. These experiences contrasted with brief moments that made sense.