Meta-synthesis of the experiences of midwives providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic

•This meta-synthesis explores the experiences of midwives globally who were working during the COVID-19 pandemic.•Preserving midwifery care with its core philosophy of being “with women” was challenged during the global pandemic, a time when pregnant and birthing persons needed midwives the most.•Midwives described how frequent pandemic protocol changes and alterations in their ability to provide care led to turmoil, chaos, and emotional burden.•Overall, midwives demonstrated resilience in the form of empowerment and feelings of assertiveness through the COVID-19 pandemic challenges that presented. During the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives faced emotional and physical risks while on the frontlines providing care. To maintain a healthy midwifery workforce, it is necessary to understand midwives’ pandemic challenges and successes, including how they personally and professionally faced changes to care provision. The aim of this meta-synthesis was to understand the experiences of midwives working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noblit and Hare's (1988) approach to synthesising qualitative research studies was followed. Fifteen qualitative research reports were identified using PRISMA guidelines, producing a sample of 588 midwives from 12 countries. The synthesis revealed three overarching themes: (1) Turmoil and confusion: a spectrum of emotions due to ever-changing protocols, (2) COVID-19 stripped the “being with” out of midwifery care, and (3) Finding our way: midwifery resilience and growth. Analysed together, these three themes contribute to understanding the experiences of midwives working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Midwives experienced fear, stress, and anxiety. They felt they couldn't physically be with women during the pandemic. They were frustrated by being left out of institutional decision-making regarding COVID-19 protocols that impacted the women they served. Professional growth as a midwife, and personal resilience were ultimately realised. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the routine ways in which midwives provide care in all settings. Understanding the complete experience of midwives during the pandemic allows for midwifery organizations to be aware of their members’ needs, as well as for institutions to ensure supports are in place for midwives in the event of future pandemics.