"Midwives are nice, but . . .": perceptions of midwifery and childbirth in an undergraduate class.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore college students' beliefs about childbirth and midwifery.

Methods: A critical qualitative analysis was used to identify common themes that occurred in an online class discussion about midwifery.

Results: This population of 459 college students drew on the larger social discourse of the medical model of childbirth to frame their discussion of childbirth and midwives. Common beliefs that emerged from class discussions included the perceived dangerous nature of childbirth, the necessity for technologic interventions in childbirth, and doubts about the quality of midwifery training and practice.

Discussion: To promote midwifery among this population, advocates should continue public education efforts through a variety of media and communication strategies, with an emphasis on the safety of midwifery care.