1
|
Wanyenze EW, Nalwadda GK, Byamugisha JK, Muwanguzi PA, Tumwesigye NM. Effect of Midwife-Provided Orientation of Birth Companions on Maternal Anxiety and Coping during Labor: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Control Trial in Eastern Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1549. [PMID: 36674304 PMCID: PMC9866548 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the effect of midwife-provided orientation of birth companions on maternal anxiety and coping during labor. A stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design was conducted among 475 participants (control n = 240), intervention n = 235) from four clusters. Midwives in the intervention period provided an orientation session for the birth companions on supportive labor techniques. Coping was assessed throughout labor and anxiety scores were measured after birth. Independent t-test and Chi-Square tests were used to assess the differences by study period. Anxiety scores were reduced among women in the intervention period (p = 0.001). The proportion of women able to cope during early active labor was higher during the intervention period (p = 0.031). Women in the intervention period had 80% higher odds of coping (p = 0.032) compared to those in the control period. Notable differences in anxiety and coping with labor were observed among first-time mothers, younger women, and when siblings provided support. Midwife-provided orientation of birth companions on labor support lowers maternal anxiety and improves coping during labor. Findings could inform the planning and development of policies for the implementation of the presence of birth companions in similar low-resource settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Wodeya Wanyenze
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara 403, Uganda
| | - Gorrette K. Nalwadda
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala 101, Uganda
| | - Josaphat K. Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala 101, Uganda
| | - Patience A. Muwanguzi
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala 101, Uganda
| | - Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala 101, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ekström‐Bergström A, Thorstensson S, Bäckström C. The concept, importance and values of support during childbearing and breastfeeding - A discourse paper. Nurs Open 2022; 9:156-167. [PMID: 34741500 PMCID: PMC8685869 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional support in childbearing has beneficial effects on childbirth experience, interactions within the family, breastfeeding and medical outcomes. However, more knowledge is needed about prerequisites for professional support to be valuable and satisfactory during childbearing. AIM The aim of this discourse paper is to describe and explore prerequisites for professional support that are of value for women and their families during childbearing as well as how healthcare organizations can be formed to facilitate these prerequisites. DESIGN Discourse paper. METHODS This discourse paper is based on our own experiences and is supported by literature and theory. RESULTS Well-functioning structures and processes facilitate professional support that leads to safe, secure, calm and prepared parents with the ability to handle the challenges of childbearing and parenting. When organizing care in childbearing, prerequisites for support needs must also be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anette Ekström‐Bergström
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity WestTrollhättanSweden
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH)University of SkövdeSkövdeSweden
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SkövdeSkövdeSweden
| | - Stina Thorstensson
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH)University of SkövdeSkövdeSweden
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SkövdeSkövdeSweden
| | - Caroline Bäckström
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH)University of SkövdeSkövdeSweden
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SkövdeSkövdeSweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
S Z, K FF, M R, A B, M B. Midwives’ experiences as preceptors and the development of good preceptorships in obstetric units. Midwifery 2020; 87:102718. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
4
|
Zwedberg S, Barimani M, Jonas W. Exploring the internship experiences of Swedish final term student midwives: A cross-sectional survey. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2020; 26:100543. [PMID: 32771942 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2020.100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Today, student midwives in Sweden spend half of their midwifery education at various internships. Practice reality demonstrates that there is an insufficient number of preceptors for the students, and the workload is demanding. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the experiences of final term Swedish students during their midwifery internship and whether other paedagogical learning experiences beyond the apprenticeship model were included. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 288 final year midwifery students at all universities offering the midwifery programme in Sweden. This paper focuses on open-ended questions, which were answered by 108 students, and analysed inductively via thematic analysis. Students described an intensive period with pressure during their internship. They expressed a desire for fewer parallel tasks and a better-structured internship. Students revealed that it was both a challenge and stressful to be under constant high performance while practising clinically. Furthermore, students described feelings of competition towards fellow peers in regard to attaining the final number of 50 assisted births. As to the paedagogical methods, the classical preceptorship model with a one-to-one student-preceptor relationship was predominately used. Preceptors were perceived as crucial role models. However, this learning experience was considered suboptimal for learning in the event where preceptors were not engaged or felt insecure regarding their knowledge, or if the preceptor was changed. For the students, the most optimal setting would be if preceptors were selected, trained, and supported in their role to supervise students, instead of being assigned any available preceptor, who was, at times, not a midwife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Zwedberg
- Sophiahemmet University, Department for Health Promotion Science, Lindtstedtsvägen 8, 114 86 Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Childreńs & Womeńs Health Theme, PA Pregnancy Care and Delivery, Karolinska Universitetsjukhuset Solna, Karolinska vägen, 171 76 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Mia Barimani
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (LIME), C7 Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 3rd Floor, SE- 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Wibke Jonas
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18a, Level 8, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Parents’ experiences when students are present during labour and childbirth: A cross-sectional survey of parents in Sweden. Midwifery 2019; 77:130-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
6
|
Bohren MA, Berger BO, Munthe‐Kaas H, Tunçalp Ö. Perceptions and experiences of labour companionship: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3:CD012449. [PMID: 30883666 PMCID: PMC6422112 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012449.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Labour companionship refers to support provided to a woman during labour and childbirth, and may be provided by a partner, family member, friend, doula or healthcare professional. A Cochrane systematic review of interventions by Bohren and colleagues, concluded that having a labour companion improves outcomes for women and babies. The presence of a labour companion is therefore regarded as an important aspect of improving quality of care during labour and childbirth; however implementation of the intervention is not universal. Implementation of labour companionship may be hampered by limited understanding of factors affecting successful implementation across contexts. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the review were to describe and explore the perceptions and experiences of women, partners, community members, healthcare providers and administrators, and other key stakeholders regarding labour companionship; to identify factors affecting successful implementation and sustainability of labour companionship; and to explore how the findings of this review can enhance understanding of the related Cochrane systematic review of interventions. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and POPLINE K4Health databases for eligible studies from inception to 9 September 2018. There were no language, date or geographic restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that used qualitative methods for data collection and analysis; focused on women's, partners', family members', doulas', providers', or other relevant stakeholders' perceptions and experiences of labour companionship; and were from any type of health facility in any setting globally. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used a thematic analysis approach for data extraction and synthesis, and assessed the confidence in the findings using the GRADE-CERQual approach. We used two approaches to integrate qualitative findings with the intervention review findings. We used a logic model to theorise links between elements of the intervention and health and well-being outcomes. We also used a matrix model to compare features of labour companionship identified as important in the qualitative evidence synthesis with the interventions included in the intervention review. MAIN RESULTS We found 51 studies (52 papers), mostly from high-income countries and mostly describing women's perspectives. We assessed our level of confidence in each finding using the GRADE-CERQual approach. We had high or moderate confidence in many of our findings. Where we only had low or very low confidence in a finding, we have indicated this.Labour companions supported women in four different ways. Companions gave informational support by providing information about childbirth, bridging communication gaps between health workers and women, and facilitating non-pharmacological pain relief. Companions were advocates, which means they spoke up in support of the woman. Companions provided practical support, including encouraging women to move around, providing massage, and holding her hand. Finally, companions gave emotional support, using praise and reassurance to help women feel in control and confident, and providing a continuous physical presence.Women who wanted a companion present during labour and childbirth needed this person to be compassionate and trustworthy. Companionship helped women to have a positive birth experience. Women without a companion could perceive this as a negative birth experience. Women had mixed perspectives about wanting to have a male partner present (low confidence). Generally, men who were labour companions felt that their presence made a positive impact on both themselves (low confidence) and on the relationship with their partner and baby (low confidence), although some felt anxious witnessing labour pain (low confidence). Some male partners felt that they were not well integrated into the care team or decision-making.Doulas often met with women before birth to build rapport and manage expectations. Women could develop close bonds with their doulas (low confidence). Foreign-born women in high-income settings may appreciate support from community-based doulas to receive culturally-competent care (low confidence).Factors affecting implementation included health workers and women not recognising the benefits of companionship, lack of space and privacy, and fearing increased risk of infection (low confidence). Changing policies to allow companionship and addressing gaps between policy and practice were thought to be important (low confidence). Some providers were resistant to or not well trained on how to use companions, and this could lead to conflict. Lay companions were often not integrated into antenatal care, which may cause frustration (low confidence).We compared our findings from this synthesis to the companionship programmes/approaches assessed in Bohren's review of effectiveness. We found that most of these programmes did not appear to address these key features of labour companionship. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We have high or moderate confidence in the evidence contributing to several of these review findings. Further research, especially in low- and middle-income settings and with different cadres of healthcare providers, could strengthen the evidence for low- or very low-confidence findings. Ahead of implementation of labour companionship, researchers and programmers should consider factors that may affect implementation, including training content and timing for providers, women and companions; physical structure of the labour ward; specifying clear roles for companions and providers; integration of companions; and measuring the impact of companionship on women's experiences of care. Implementation research or studies conducted on labour companionship should include a qualitative component to evaluate the process and context of implementation, in order to better interpret results and share findings across contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Bohren
- World Health OrganizationUNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research20 Avenue AppiaGenevaGeneveSwitzerland1211
- University of MelbourneCentre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthLevel 4, 207 Bouverie StreetCarltonVictoriaAustralia3053
| | - Blair O Berger
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthDepartment of Population, Family and Reproductive HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Özge Tunçalp
- World Health OrganizationUNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research20 Avenue AppiaGenevaGeneveSwitzerland1211
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carolan-Olah M, Kruger G, Walter R, Mazzarino M. Final year students' experiences of the Bachelor of Midwifery course. Midwifery 2013; 30:519-25. [PMID: 23725754 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2013.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM : the aim of the study was to explore the experiences of final year Bachelor of Midwifery students. BACKGROUND earlier research indicates that midwifery students experience a number of difficulties and concerns during their studentship. These difficulties can lead to a lack of confidence and poorer integration and socialisation into the profession. Ultimately, poorer integration may lead to dissatisfaction and attrition from the profession. METHODS a qualitative approach, informed by interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), was used in this study. Ten completing Bachelor of Midwifery students participated in in-depth interviews and reflected on their experiences over their three year course. Data were subjected to IPA analytic steps as proposed by Smith and Osborn (2008). KEY FINDINGS demographics revealed that participants were generally aged more than 35 years and worked 16 hours or less per week. Most had two or more children and lived with a spouse/partner. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) a challenging start; (2) coming to terms with course requirements; (3) developing strategies; and (4) overall satisfaction with the course. Participants generally considered that their individual strengths and determination helped them to negotiate the many challenges they encountered during the course. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE this study indicates that students undergo a process of adjustment as they travel through the Bachelor of Midwifery course. The most critical transition phase appears to occur in the first year and students may require additional supports to assist their socialisation into both the university and their course. Particular needs identified include return to study skills for mature-aged students and counselling and support group needs generally. The provision of such supports may assist with the retention of students within the course and may contribute to overall student satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Carolan-Olah
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, St Alban's Campus, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14228, Melbourne 8001, Australia.
| | - Gina Kruger
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, St Alban's Campus, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14228, Melbourne 8001, Australia.
| | - Ruby Walter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, St Alban's Campus, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14228, Melbourne 8001, Australia.
| | - Melissa Mazzarino
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, St Alban's Campus, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14228, Melbourne 8001, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dahlberg U, Aune I. The woman's birth experience—The effect of interpersonal relationships and continuity of care. Midwifery 2013; 29:407-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
9
|
Thorstensson S, Ekström A, Lundgren I, Hertfelt Wahn E. Exploring Professional Support Offered by Midwives during Labour: An Observation and Interview Study. Nurs Res Pract 2012; 2012:648405. [PMID: 23304482 PMCID: PMC3529493 DOI: 10.1155/2012/648405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Support in labour has an impact on the childbirth experience as well as on childbirth outcomes. Both social and professional support is needed. The aim of this study was to explore professional support offered by midwives during labour in relation to the supportive needs of the childbearing woman and her partner. The study used a qualitative, inductive design using triangulation, with observation followed by interviews. Seven midwives were observed when caring for seven women/couples in labour. After the observations, individual interviews with midwives, women, and their partners were conducted. Data were analysed using hermeneutical text interpretation. The results are presented with three themes. (1) Support as a professional task seems unclear and less well defined than medical controls. (2) Midwives and parents express somewhat different supportive ideas about how to create a sense of security. (3) Partner and midwife interact in support of the childbearing woman. The main interpretation shows that midwives' supportive role during labour could be understood as them mainly adopting the "with institution" ideology in contrast to the "with woman" ideology. This may increase the risk of childbearing women and their partners perceiving lack of support during labour. There is a need to increase efficiency by providing support for professionals to adopt the "with woman" ideology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stina Thorstensson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Skövde, P.O. Box 408, 54128 Skövde, Sweden
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Anette Ekström
- School of Life Sciences, University of Skövde, P.O. Box 408, 54128 Skövde, Sweden
| | - Ingela Lundgren
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 457, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
What is meant by one-to-one support in labour: Analysing the concept. Midwifery 2012; 28:391-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
11
|
Van Kelst L, Spitz B, Sermeus W, Thomson AM. Student midwives' views on maternity care just before their graduation. J Adv Nurs 2012; 69:600-9. [PMID: 22632134 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06042.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To report a hermeneutic study of student midwives' views on maternity care just before their graduation. background: Woman-centred care, which is the hallmark of midwifery, is taught to midwifery students around the globe. Woman-centred care is advantageous for women at low obstetric risk. However, adopting this ideology might be a problem for student midwives whose clinical placements are mainly in a medicalized obstetric-led hospital setting. DESIGN A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted. METHODS In 2010, three focus groups were held where 19 student midwives participated. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using van Manen's approach. FINDINGS The choice for midwifery was a 'positive' choice and not the result of an elimination process. Students' description of a midwife as a coach was in line with the international definition of a midwife. With regard to maternity care, midwifery students identified two types of care, factory-style care and tailored care, both of which were ascribed to caregivers and hospital culture. Furthermore, student midwives made the distinction between hierarchy and teamwork, referring to the professional relations in maternity care. Hierarchy was driven by tradition, it implied that decisions were made top-down, and it resulted in impersonal relations. Midwifery students felt it was unjust that midwives were not allowed to perform deliveries while having the legal autonomy to do so. CONCLUSION In spite of the medicalized context, midwifery education succeeded in educating midwives who hold a woman-centred ideology. Midwifery students linked style of care to a person rather than to a profession.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Van Kelst
- Center for Health Services and Nursing Research, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aune I, Dahlberg U, Ingebrigtsen O. Relational continuity as a model of care in practical midwifery studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.12968/bjom.2011.19.8.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Aune
- Ingvild Aune, Midwife, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Sør-Trøndelag University College, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Unn Dahlberg
- Unn Dahlberg, Midwife, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Oddbjørn Ingebrigtsen
- Oddbjørn Ingebrigtsen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Sør-Trøndelag University College, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hermansson E, Mårtensson L. Empowerment in the midwifery context--a concept analysis. Midwifery 2010; 27:811-6. [PMID: 20932613 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2010.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The concept empowerment is difficult to understand, define and translate into different contexts. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to analyze the empowerment concept in the midwifery context, focused on the childbearing period, aimed at clarifying its meaning in order to enable comprehension and use in clinical practice, education and research. DESIGN Semi structured interviews and written text. SETTING Prenatal clinics, delivery and maternity wards in western Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Nine midwives and 12 couples. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS A concept analysis was undertaken according to the hybrid model which consists of the theoretical, fieldwork and analytical phases. After a literature review, the concept was empirically elucidated in the fieldwork phase. The final step was to describe criteria and attributes, illustrative cases, antecedents and consequences of the concept. The following tentative criteria and attributes of empowerment in the midwifery context are described: developing a trustful relationship; starting an awareness process, making it possible to reflect on the changing situation; acting based on the parents' situation on their own terms, getting them involved and able to make informed choices; confirming the personal significance of becoming parents. Finally, empowerment in the midwifery context was redefined. KEY CONCLUSION Midwives use empowerment in education and research as well as strategies on both the micro and macro levels in practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Empirical findings from the concept analysis confirm the concept's relevance in the midwifery context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Hermansson
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Box 457, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bäckström C, Hertfelt Wahn E. Support during labour: first-time fathers' descriptions of requested and received support during the birth of their child. Midwifery 2009; 27:67-73. [PMID: 19783334 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Revised: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 07/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to explore how first-time fathers describe requested and received support during a normal birth. DESIGN qualitative research design. Ten first-time fathers were interviewed during the first postpartum week. Individual open-ended interviews were used to explore the fathers' descriptions, and the interviews were analysed using qualitative analysis. SETTING a labour ward at one hospital in a south-western county of Sweden in November and December 2006. PARTICIPANTS first-time fathers who had experienced a normal birth at the hospital during the study period. FINDINGS the support described is presented as one main theme, 'being involved or being left out', which included four underlying categories: 'an allowing atmosphere', 'balancing involvement', 'being seen' and 'feeling left out'. KEY CONCLUSIONS fathers perceived that they were given good support when they were allowed to ask questions during labour, when they had the opportunity to interact with the midwife and their partner, and when they could choose when to be involved or to step back. Fathers want to be seen as individuals who are part of the labouring couple. If fathers are left out, they tend to feel helpless; this can result in a feeling of panic and can put their supportive role of their partner at risk. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE the results of this study could initiate discussions about how health-care professionals can develop support given to the labouring couple, with an interest in increasing paternal involvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bäckström
- School of Life Sciences, University of Skövde, Gullhönevägen 15, 541 65 Skövde, Sweden.
| | | |
Collapse
|