Résumé
Birth support is crucial for patients, influencing their maternal experience. Despite their crucial role, midwives often find their well-being neglected despite their calls for better working conditions. We wondered if the birthing room experience was perceived similarly by patients and midwives, and if the shortcomings described by midwives regarding support were felt by patients. Method: to investigate, we conducted a qualitative study in February 2023. We interviewed 9 patients who had given birth and 9 midwives who had accompanied them during delivery. These interviews took place at the maternity ward of CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve in Montpellier. Results: the findings highlighted the shortcomings described by midwives, such as lack of time, workload overload, and understaffing. Despite these challenges, patients reported high satisfaction with the support received and perceived these shortcomings very minimally. This satisfaction reflects the dedication and competence of midwives, who manage to provide quality care despite sometimes difficult working conditions. Discussion: this innovative study revealed that midwives strive for patient satisfaction, sometimes at the expense of their own physical and mental health, which can lead to burnout. It's essential to recognize and address this phenomenon by improving working conditions, offering psychological support, and fostering a more balanced and supportive work environment.