BACKGROUND:
Professional motivation and identity development in midwifery students are crucial for their education. A positive perception of birth is essential not only for pregnant women but also for midwifery students. This positive view can enhance their professional identity and motivation, significantly influencing their future practice.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to examine midwifery students' views on the effect of a positive birth stories workshop on their professional motivation.

METHODS:
This qualitative descriptive research was conducted in two stages. First, an online workshop was held with midwifery students and women who experienced positive births. Then, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 students who participated in the workshop. Data were analyzed through content analysis using MAXQDA 2022.

RESULTS:
Students reported mainly hearing negative birth stories previously. Three themes emerged regarding the workshop's effect on professional motivation: (1) Shaping Perceptions – The Influence of Birth Stories, (2) Discovering the Power of Midwifery through Positive Birth Stories, (3) Integration of Birth Stories with Education.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study shows that positive birth stories enhance maternity care students' professional motivation and perceptions of childbirth. The workshop shifted students' views, portraying midwives as heroes, increasing respect for the profession. Integrating experiential storytelling into education fosters professional responsibility, belonging, and motivation, positively impacting students' development.

KEY MESSAGE:
Initially influenced by negative birth narratives, students reported fear and concern about childbirth. However, a workshop featuring positive birth stories helped shift their perspectives, highlighting midwifery as an empowering, compassionate, and relational profession. These stories deepened their understanding of the emotional needs of birthing women and strengthened their motivation to offer respectful, supportive care. Students emphasized that integrating such narrative-based learning into education helped them form a clearer vision of the midwife they aspire to become and increased their commitment to the profession. Education - student experience 1 (including three-minute presentation competition)