This thesis explores experiences in maternity services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, from both the perspectives of those delivering and receiving care. Chapter one is a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative literature, examining the impact of pandemic hospital restrictions on birth experience and subsequent maternal mental health. Quantitative findings highlighted that, overall, restrictions in maternity services had an adverse impact on birth experiences, with higher rates of post-natal depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Five themes were found across the qualitative data, reflecting experiences of ‘change’, ‘neglect’, ‘emotional wellbeing’, ‘confusion’, and ‘positivity’.

Chapter two is a qualitative empirical paper, utilising interpretive phenomenological analysis to explore the experiences of nine Early Career Midwives and the factors influencing their wellbeing. Four themes were identified: ‘high stakes pressure’, ‘feeling (un)supported’, ‘safety in numbers’, and ‘on top of it all’. Of importance, high levels of moral injury were found amongst participants, differing from burnout. Consideration is given to the modifiable and non-modifiable aspects of the role that influence wellbeing, as well as clinical implications and future research.

The third chapter integrates findings from the first two chapters to discuss clinical implications and future research in more depth. This also contains a personal reflection on the process of completing the research, locating the researcher and the lens with which data was viewed.