PurposeRecently, an increasing numbers of women are requesting epidural anesthesia during vaginal delivery (hereinafter referred to as epidural delivery) in Japan. While this number is expected to increase, there appears to be a negative view regarding epidural delivery among the midwives, and some midwives find it difficult to accept. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the feelings and perceptions of the midwives involved in epidural delivery and to determine the kind of care they provide.MethodsThis was a qualitative descriptive study. Sixteen midwives with an experience in epidural delivery underwent semi-structured interviews. The obtained data was transcribed; and the sections, where the midwives expressed their feelings on involvement in epidural delivery, were extracted, coded, and categorized.ResultsThe midwives' perceptions regarding epidural delivery were collated into six categories. Perceptions such as “feeling that epidural delivery also has merit” and “willingness to accept epidural delivery” included positive opinions held by the midwives due to their involvement in epidural delivery, where they were trying to respond to the increase in epidural deliveries. Contrastingly, the midwives also held the opinion that, “I find it difficult to support women, who receive epidural anesthesia, to ensure that the delivery progresses safely and smoothly,” and “I find it difficult and I feel anxious about my lack of knowledge about epidural delivery.” These perceptions show that the midwives find providing support in epidural delivery difficult. Feelings such as “involvement in epidural delivery has reiterated my feelings on the merits of natural delivery” described how the midwives truly believed the merits of natural delivery when they were involved in epidural delivery. In the background of the aforementioned categories was “conflict with my own feelings as a midwife that arises while providing support for an epidural delivery as per the pregnant woman's wishes.”ConclusionMidwives involved in epidural delivery have variable point of views, perceiving the benefit of epidural delivery, but finding the provision of support difficult. It was clarified that even under these circumstances, midwives are involved in safe epidural deliveries per the pregnant women's wishes. Midwives need to acquire accurate knowledge to be able to provide highly safe and satisfactory care during epidural deliveries, and to align themselves with the pregnant woman's wishes and expectations.