Petra Petrocnik

Research project: Facilitating physiological birth in Slovenia: myth or reality? Exploring the experiences of practising midwives

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of Slovenian midwives in relation to physiological birth. The study objectives are to obtain midwives' understanding and views related to physiological birth; to explore midwives' attitudes towards the concept of physiological birth; to explore their experiences of the factors that facilitate or inhibit physiological birth in practice. Participants' lived experiences will be captured with the use of phenomenological approach. It is intended to undertake semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with midwives working in Slovenia and analyse the data with interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological approach.

  • Research degree: PhD
  • Title of project: Facilitating physiological birth in Slovenia: myth or reality? Exploring the experiences of practising midwives
  • Research supervisor: Dr Mary Halter

Biography

I graduated from midwifery programme at the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and continued with the postgraduate study of midwifery at the University of Nottingham. Currently I am employed by the University of Ljubljana, working as a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery. So far, I have been involved in several national as well as international projects. Furthermore, I support student midwives on the undergraduate level and coordinate international students through the Erasmus plus program. As a midwife I am striving towards supporting women in their individual decisions and I am very passionate for researching midwifery-related topics.

Areas of research interest

  • Physiological childbirth
  • Childbirth
  • Midwifery
  • Midwifery education
  • Maternal-child health

Qualifications

  • BSc in Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • MSc in Midwifery, University of Nottingham

Publications

  • PETROCNIK, P, MARSHALL, JE. Hands-poised technique : the future technique for perineal management of second stage of labour? : a modified systematic literature review. Midwifery. 2015, vol. 31, iss. 2, str. 274-279
  • JUG DOSLER, A, MIVSEK, A P, VERDENIK, I, ZAKSEK, T, LEVEC, T, PETROCNIK, P. Incidence of episiotomy in Slovenia : the story behind the numbers. Nursing and health sciences. 2017, vol. 19, iss. 3, str. 351-357.
  • DRUSANY STARIC, K, LUKANOVIC, A, PETROCNIK, P, ZACESTA, V, CESCON, C, LUCOVNIK, M. Impact of mediolateral episiotomy on incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury diagnosed by endoanal ultrasound. Midwifery. Aug. 2017, vol. 51, str. 40-43
  • GILLMAN, L J., PETROCNIK, P. Legal issues relating to midwifery education and practice. V: MARSHALL, Jayne E. Myles professional studies for midwifery education and practice : concepts and challenges. Edinburgh [etc.]: Elsevier, 2019. 101-120.