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The terms ‘emotional wellbeing’ and ‘psychological and spiritual health’ were identified from the literature as antecedents to the ‘with woman’ concept (Hunter 2009; Huber and Sandall 2009; Aune et al. 2014; Hunter 2015 for emotional wellbeing and Bradfield et al. 2019c; Perriman et al. 2018; Nystedt et al. 2014 for psychological and spiritual health). The study by Hunter (2009) suggests that a Positive Presence Index (PPI) administered to women during labour and birth, either in a hospital or a birth centre environment, resulted in a higher PPI scores for those women in the birth centre due to improved interaction and personal quality of midwifery care. A meaningful relationship based on trust through continuity of midwifery care (Perriman et al. 2018) and a shared philosophy between a woman and midwife has an impact of satisfaction on both (Bradfield et al. 2019c) and is a consequence of this approach. Support during childbirth results in reduced anxiety and fear, and courage of the woman to give birth (Nystedt et al. 2014).

A calm and positive midwifery presence as described by Huber and Sandall (2009), and provision of continuous support through relational competence Aune et al. (2014), are other attributes of the ‘with woman’ concept. The midwife demonstrates behaviour of listening, acknowledging the woman's feelings, displays empathy and sensitivity and provides reassurance and affirmation of the woman's ability to birth her baby. Hunter (2015) suggests that a therapeutic space is created through mutual recognition and respect as attributes, which consequently empower both the woman and the midwife (Dahlberg and Aune 2013; Andrews 2017). Hunter et al. (2017) found that the attribute of mindfulness can provide a way for midwives to contain levels of stress. This can be achieved through a reconnection with self and the woman to improve job satisfaction and provide holistic ‘with woman’ care.