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Background: Childbirth is often seen as an existentially important life event. However, few studies focus on the experience from the woman's perspective. The aim and research questions: The aim of this study was to explore women's experiences of strength and health during childbirth through an ontological understanding. What enables women to experience strength and health during childbirth? Research design, participants and research context: A hermeneutical approach was used. The material consists of texts from interviews with eight women who have recently (a few days to some weeks) given birth. The texts were interpreted through latent content analysis. Ethical considerations: Informed consent was sought from the participants regarding participation in the study and the storage and handling of data for research purposes. Findings: The overall theme was 'Childbirth as a movement towards becoming in health'. The three main themes were as follows: 'The self as a source of strength', 'The other as a source of strength in communion' and 'Alleviation of suffering as a source of strength'. Seven subthemes were also described. Conclusion: Childbirth may be seen as a potential path towards becoming in health. The midwife has a central position in supporting women's experiences of health. Family‐centred care may enhance women's experiences of becoming in health during childbirth. Further research in this field should focus on revealing midwives' perspectives on what gives women health in connection with childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The global and multicultural society of today creates challenges that require multicultural competence among individuals, especially within caring contexts. Aims and objectives This study assumes an intercultural perspective, and the aim is to uncover a new understanding of the caring community between nurses and patients when these do not speak the same language. The research question is: What is the significance of communication in a caring community when nurses and patients do not speak the same language? Methodological design and method This qualitative study uses a hermeneutical approach. The material was collected through questionnaires with eight nurses and two adults from another culture. The texts were analysed through latent content analysis. Ethical issues and approval Study participation, data storage and handling for research purposes were approved by the participants when they provided their informed consent. Permission to conduct the study was granted by an ethical committee of a hospital organisation. Results Human love is the basis for a caring relationship since it reaches beyond the limits of cultural differences. Integrity is vital for cultural respect and especially for the consideration of spiritual needs in the caring relationship. An affirming presence is essential for communion. Creative courage is fundamental for communication, and continuous information is vital for establishing trust within the caring relationship. Study limitations One limitation to this study might be the limited number of participants (ten). Conclusions Caring for a patient from another culture requires that nurses are open-minded and have the courage to encounter new challenges. It is essential for nurses to respect the patient's integrity but also to acquire knowledge in order to improve their cultural competence. Further research within this area should focus on the role of next of kin in intercultural caring and on how leadership may contribute to improving cultural competence within health organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]