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Cooper M, Briley A. Sense of coherence as facilitated by water immersion during labour and birth: A concept analysis and synthesis. Midwifery 2023; 126:103824. [PMID: 37714044 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the concept of sense of coherence as facilitated by water immersion during labour and/or birth. DESIGN A concept analysis and synthesis. A literature search of CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO and Emcare was undertaken in February 2022. Results were cross-checked with Google Scholar. No timeframe was specified, and results were restricted to research papers written in English. Overall, 2768 papers were retrieved and after removal of duplicates and unrelated papers, abstracts were screened to ensure the paper met the inclusion criteria i.e. women's experiences of water immersion for labour and/or birth. This process yielded a total of 37 articles and two theses, these were used for the concept analysis. Attributes were described and an exemplar case developed after mapping and charting of the data set. FINDINGS Three attributes were identified; agency, holistic and complete and more than pain relief which align with the three sense of coherence components: comprehensible, meaningfulness and manageability. KEY CONCLUSION There is a growing evidence base regarding the use of intrapartum water immersion. The literature exploring women's experiences and views of water immersion, appears to consistently report that women experience physiological, physical and psychological benefits and that these benefits complement each other to facilitate greater self-efficacy and a more holistic experience. This combination of benefits afforded by water immersion facilitates a sense of coherence and subsequently, increases the likelihood of the woman experiencing labour and birth as both positive and satisfying. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE A greater understanding of women's experiences of water immersion will provide rationale and reason for making the option a real choice while revealing the positive impacts that it can have on all outcomes beyond just the physical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cooper
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Campus Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Annette Briley
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Campus Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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Shahveisi M, Nourizadeh R, Mehrabi E. The effect of shared decision-making in choosing the method of labor analgesia on childbirth experience among primiparous women. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0274559. [PMID: 36791114 PMCID: PMC9931133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childbearing women reported moderate and sometimes low levels of autonomy in decision-making with their health care providers especially about their pain relief type and which may affect their childbirth experience. There is limited evidence about the effect of shared decision-making about childbirth pain relief on childbirth experience and satisfaction. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to assess the effect of shared decision-making in choosing the method of labor analgesia on childbirth experience and satisfaction among primiparous women. METHODS This interventional study was conducted on 66 primiparous women with 38-42 weeks gestational age and with symptoms of labor and childbirth onset. Women were assigned into the intervention and control groups in a ratio of 1: 1 using blocked randomization. The intervention group received shared decision making about the advantages and disadvantages of labor analgesia methods, and the control group received routine care. Questionnaires, including obstetrics and demographic characteristics, Labor Agentry Scale (LAS), McKay Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale (MCSRS), Support and Control In Birth (SCIB) were completed. Data were analyzed by SPSS24 software and independent t-test and ANCOVA were used. RESULT After the intervention, the mean score of childbirth experience in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group [Mean Difference (MD): 6.77, 95% CI: 2.72 to 10.82, (P <0.001)]. Further, the mean score of childbirth satisfaction in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group [MD: 19.06, 95% CI: 9.63 to 28.49, (P<0.001)]. The mean score of control and support during childbirth and its subscales in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group after the intervention [MD: 17.21, 95% CI: 9.40 to 25.03, (P <0.001)]. CONCLUSION It is recommended that mothers should be involved in treatment decisions during childbirth since they are considered an important part of providing care during labor and childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shahveisi
- Department of Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roghaiyeh Nourizadeh
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Esmat Mehrabi
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- * E-mail:
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Ghanbari-Homaie S, Meedya S, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Asghari Jafarabadi M, Mohammadi E, Mirghafourvand M. Correlations Between Primiparous Women’s Perceived Internal Control, External Control, Support and Their Birth Experience. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHILDBIRTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1891/ijc-2021-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDPerceived control and support can contribute to a positive childbirth experience. However, most studies have not differentiated between perceived internal and external control.OBJECTIVEThe present study aimed to assess primiparous women’s perceived internal control, external control, and support, including family and professional support and their association with the childbirth experience.METHODSA cross-sectional study was carried out on 800 primiparous mothers recruited from health centers across Tabriz, Iran, through cluster sampling. The childbirth experience questionnaire (2.0) and the support and control in birth scale were used to measure women’s childbirth experience and their perceived internal and external control and support. Data were collected through an interview during early postpartum and analyzed by independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation and general linear model.RESULTSThe results demonstrated a significant correlation between perceived internal control (r = 0.80, p < .001), external control (r = 0.79, p < .001) and professional support (r = 0.83, p < .001) with childbirth experience. By controlling confounders such as socio-demographic and reproductive variables, internal control [β (95% CI): 0.28 (0.25 to 0.31); p < .001], external control [0.10 (0.06 to 0.14); p < .001], professional support [0.27 (0.23 to 0.30); p < .001], were independent predictors of positive childbirth experience.CONCLUSIONThese findings point to the importance of perceived internal, external control and professional support and the relationship between healthcare providers, especially midwives, with the women in improving childbirth experience. It is suggested that healthcare providers give support to women and utilize methods that enhance women’s control during labor and childbirth.
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Shamoradifar Z, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Nourizadeh R, Mehrabi E, Areshtanab HN, Shaigan H. The impact of effective communication-based care on the childbirth experience and satisfaction among primiparous women: an experimental study. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2022; 97:12. [PMID: 35941334 PMCID: PMC9360278 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-022-00108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background There is insufficient scientific evidence on the effect of communication skills of childbirth care providers on maternal childbirth experience and satisfaction. The present study aimed to determine the effect of communication-based care on the childbirth experience and satisfaction among primiparous women. Methods A total of 80 primiparous women participated in this experimental study who were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) care model, the intervention group received effective communication-based care, and the control group received the routine care. Data were collected using demographic and obstetric questionnaires, Labor Agentry Scale (LAS) and Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), and Support and Control in Birth (SCIB) scale applied 12 to 24 h after the intervention. Results After controlling the effect of confounding variables, the mean scores of childbirth experience (51.23(1.54) and satisfaction (26.03(0.81) in the intervention group were significantly higher than that in the control group (45.33 (1.54) and 22.66 (0.81) respectively; [adjusted mean difference (AMD) = 5.90, CI = 95%: 1.17 to 10.62, P = 0.01] versus AMD =3.37, CI: 95%: 0.87 to 5.87, P = 0.001]. Conclusion Eeffective communication-based care improved childbirth experience and satisfaction of primiparous women. Therefore, it is recommended that health-care providers should be trained on the communication skills in the delivery room especially during a vital threatened crises such as the Covid pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shamoradifar
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Center for the Development of Interdisciplinary Research in Islamic Sciences and Health Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roghaiyeh Nourizadeh
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Esmat Mehrabi
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Hossein Namdar Areshtanab
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Shaigan
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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Kahalon R, Yanushevsky Cnaani G, Preis H, Benyamini Y. The complex effects of maternal expectations on postpartum depressive symptoms: when does a protective factor become a risk factor? J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:74-82. [PMID: 32701018 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1795826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study assessed the effects of several prenatal maternal expectations on postpartum depression (PPD), while considering two relevant factors - incongruence between planned and actual birth and the rigidity of the birth plan - that can affect whether maternal expectations act as protective factors or risk factors for PPD. METHODS Primiparous women (N = 527) were recruited to a longitudinal study about women's birth choices and experiences. At time 1, during pregnancy, women completed a questionnaire assessing prenatal depression, preferred birth plan, birth plan flexibility-rigidity and maternal expectations (i.e. Natural-Fulfillment, Infant-Reflects-Mothering, Sacrifice). At time 2, two-months post-partum, they reported their actual birth mode and answered a questionnaire assessing their PPD symptoms. RESULTS Natural-fulfillment maternal expectations were negatively related to PPD symptoms. Yet, the interaction of high natural-fulfillment expectations with an unfulfilled birth plan and the rigidity of the birth plan, served as a risk factor for PPD symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the conditions under which specific prenatal maternal expectations serve as a risk factor for PPD, can help healthcare providers identify women who are at high risk for developing PPD symptoms and plan preemptive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotem Kahalon
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Heidi Preis
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Stoney Brook University, Stoney Brook, NY, USA
| | - Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Huschke S. 'The System is Not Set up for the Benefit of Women': Women's Experiences of Decision-Making During Pregnancy and Birth in Ireland. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:330-344. [PMID: 34852686 PMCID: PMC8727824 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211055461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this article, I draw on in-depth qualitative interviews with 23 women, conducted in 2019/2020, focusing on their involvement in decision-making during pregnancy and birth. The study is located in Ireland, where comparably progressive national policies regarding informed choice in labour and birth clash with the day-to-day reality of a heavily medicalised, paternalistic maternity care system. I represent the subjective experiences of a diverse group of women through in-depth interview excerpts. In my analysis, I move beyond describing what is happening in the Irish maternity system to discussing why this is happening - relating the findings of the research to the international literature on authoritative knowledge, technocratic hospital cultures and risk-based discourses around birth. In the last section of the article, I offer concrete, empirically grounded and innovative recommendations how to enhance women's involvement in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Huschke
- Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Research Unit (School of Medicine) and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Aannestad M, Herstad M, Severinsson E. A meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative research on women's experience of midwifery care. Nurs Health Sci 2020; 22:171-183. [PMID: 32170804 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12714] [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: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Labor and birth constitute a significant emotional event for a childbearing woman. The aim was to explore women's reflections on their experiences of labor and birth and how these were influenced by the midwifery care they received. A modified version of Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach was used to develop an inductive and interpretive synthesis of nine qualitative articles. Relevant databases were searched and qualitative articles appraised by means of the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. Two metaphors were identified: The guide-Please share your knowledge and The motherly midwife as an anchor. The comprehensive understanding of the images evoked by the metaphors resulted in an overall metaphoric representation of the women's experiences: The midwife as a birth pilot, that is, a positive labor and birth experience is dependent on the relationship with the midwife. This finding confirms previous knowledge that a trusting relationship results in confidence, while feeling secure leads to a positive birth experience. The metaphors facilitate understanding of the significance of the midwife for women's labor and birth experiences. Knowledge of labor and birth experiences helps to broaden understanding of the necessity of midwives being willing to engage, act, be aware of errors that may affect women's birth experience, and employ tools to predict unexpected adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marit Herstad
- Obstetric Care, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Severinsson
- Department of Research, Nursing and Healthcare Research Group, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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Peters M, Kolip P, Schäfers R. A theory of the aims and objectives of midwifery practice: A theory synthesis. Midwifery 2020; 84:102653. [PMID: 32044538 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Every discipline has a dichotomous objective by which it recognizes whether its work has been successful (Vogd, 2011). For midwifery care, no objective has been set in this way so far. This also has implications for measuring quality, because quality of care is only measurable if objectives have been identified. This paper aims to contribute to theory formation in midwifery science by analysing existing concepts and theories and preferences of women to midwifery care to answer the question of the dichotomous objective of midwifery. METHOD AND FINDINGS The method of theory synthesis (Walker and Avant, 2011) was used to analyse existing theories and concepts of midwifery care and literature-based preferences of women to midwifery care and synthesize them with regard to the objectives of midwifery care. The synthesis took place in the form of a means-end chain to extract the dichotomous target of midwifery care. In this way, the objectives of midwifery could be compared and linked from both the scientific and from women's perspective. The resulting means-end chain model of the process of midwifery describes the aims and objectives of midwifery from the point of view of women on three levels. DISCUSSION The hierarchical model of the process of midwifery presented here is a first attempt to illustrate the aims and objectives of midwifery practice in a means-end chain model in order to facilitate discussion on the topic and to make the quality of midwifery care measurable. Measurement is a first step towards improving quality of midwifery care and thereby improving women's reproductive capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Peters
- Bielefeld University, Bielefeld School of Public Health, Germany; The Hochschule für Gesundheit, University of Applied Sciences (hsg), Department of Applied Sciences, Germany.
| | - Petra Kolip
- Bielefeld University, Bielefeld School of Public Health, Germany
| | - Rainhild Schäfers
- The Hochschule für Gesundheit, University of Applied Sciences (hsg), Department of Applied Sciences, Germany
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Reed R, Gabriel L, Kearney L. Birthing the placenta: women's decisions and experiences. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:140. [PMID: 31029115 PMCID: PMC6487060 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2288-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research examining the birth of the placenta has focussed on quantitative outcomes comparing active and expectant (physiological) management. However, it is also important to understand women's experiences of birthing the placenta. METHODS The participant group consisted of 11 women who had expectant management, eight who had active management and one who was unsure. Participants were interviewed in-depth and the data analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Seven themes were identified in the data relating to before, during and after the birth of the placenta. Before birth themes focused on making decisions and included 'doing the research' and 'natural birth'. During the birth of the placenta themes were 'boundaries of time', 'focusing on baby' and 'sensations'. After the birth themes consisted of 'looking' and 'keeping'. CONCLUSION Most of the women considered a physiological birth of the placenta to be an intrinsic element of natural birth. Active management was considered to be an intervention used if complications occurred. In contrast, women who chose active management did not consider the placenta to be an important element of natural birth, and chose active management in order to prevent complications. Decisions about birthing the placenta were informed by Internet sources and previous personal experiences rather than care providers. During the birth of the placenta care providers managed the boundaries of time whilst women focused on their baby. The sensations women described were consistent across both types of management. Women valued seeing their placenta and having the opportunity to keep it, and placenta encapsulation was popular. The findings of this study contribute the experiences of women to the body of knowledge informing practice during the birth of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Reed
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Laura Gabriel
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Lauren Kearney
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, Qld 4558 Australia
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O'Brien D, Casey M, Butler MM. Women's experiences of exercising informed choices as expressed through their sense of self and relationships with others in Ireland: A participatory action research study. Midwifery 2018; 65:58-66. [PMID: 30118977 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore women's experiences of the concept of informed choice during pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS A three-phase action research approach. In the second phase of the study (reported in this paper), 15 women were interviewed to establish their experiences of informed choice. SETTING Dublin, Ireland in a large maternity hospital. FINDINGS We found that multiple factors influence how women experience informed choice including; their sense of self and the quality of their relationships with maternity care professionals. Women's experiences as expressed through their sense of self reveal that informed choice, is not only defined by but contingent on the quality of women's relationships with their caregiver and their ability to engage in a process of shared decision-making with them. KEY CONCLUSIONS Informed choice is experienced as a relational construct women's relationships with maternity care professionals can influence their perceptions of their sense of self following childbirth. Supportive relationships are key to supporting the concept of informed choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise O'Brien
- School of Nursing and Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Mary Casey
- UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Abstract
This article reports a service evaluation of "antenatal education on physiology of childbirth and relaxation." A service evaluation was carried out during group class discussion, immediately after the workshops, and following birth. Identified themes in the collected data were (a) my own relaxation, (b) confident, and not afraid, (c) proud of myself, (d) unexpected and feeling in control, and (e) support. Overall, women creatively customized the learned skills and reported feelings of pride and confidence. They reported feeling able to apply relaxation techniques when unexpected situations arise. Support and encouragement from partners and midwives were also valued by women. The evaluation demonstrates the efficacy of designing antenatal education that includes education on physiology of normal birth and relaxation training.
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12
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O'Brien D, Butler MM, Casey M. A participatory action research study exploring women's understandings of the concept of informed choice during pregnancy and childbirth in Ireland. Midwifery 2017; 46:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Weeks F, Pantoja L, Ortiz J, Foster J, Cavada G, Binfa L. Labor and Birth Care Satisfaction Associated With Medical Interventions and Accompaniment During Labor Among Chilean Women. J Midwifery Womens Health 2016; 62:196-203. [DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kwee JL, McBride HL. Working together for women’s empowerment: Strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration in perinatal care. J Health Psychol 2016; 21:2742-2752. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105315586211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Women’s experiences of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum adjustment are often characterized by feelings of disempowerment, trauma, and emotional pain. Psychosocial perinatal care has not kept up with medical advances in perinatal care. Access to psychosocial care appears to be inadequate because of the following: (a) perinatal health care providers are insufficiently prepared to address emotional aspects of maternal care and (b) traditional, compartmentalized psychological services benefit only a subsection of perinatal women, often in an untimely manner. Practical and innovative psychosocial services, integrated into routine perinatal care, can provide widespread access to psychosocial resources for mothers and supports providers in delivering optimal care.
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Reed R, Rowe J, Barnes M. Midwifery practice during birth: Ritual companionship. Women Birth 2016; 29:269-78. [PMID: 26782088 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an expectation that midwifery practice is woman centred and promotes physiology. In addition, midwives must assess the wellbeing of mother and baby, and monitor the progress of labour. It is important to understand how midwifery actions and interactions influence the birth experience for women. AIM The aim of this study was to explore midwifery practice during physiological birth from the perspective of both midwives and mothers. METHOD A narrative inquiry involving face-to-face in-depth interviews was used to gather data. The participants were 10 midwives and 10 women who had recently attended or experienced an uncomplicated physiological birth. Data was analysed to identify themes occurring across the narratives. FINDINGS Two types of midwifery practice were identified from the data: rites of passage and rites of protection. Rites of passage were synergistic with women's needs during birth and involved managing distractions and reflecting internal wisdom. Rites of protection involved performing clinical assessments to determine wellbeing and labour progress. These practices could contradict the rites of passage by disrupting aloneness and reinforcing external wisdom. CONCLUSION Midwives performed two types of practices which intersected with women's experience of birth in differing and contested ways. Conceptualising the role of the midwife as a 'ritual companion' and actions and words as rituals enables a deeper exploration of the values transmitted and reflected by midwifery practice. This study contributes to a discourse about midwifery practice during birth, women's experience of birth, and the influence of the institution on the nature of mother-midwife relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Reed
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Rowe
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Margaret Barnes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
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16
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Rini EV. The Development and Psychometric Analysis of the Women’s Experience in Childbirth Survey. J Nurs Meas 2016; 24:268-80. [DOI: 10.1891/1061-3749.24.2.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose: A woman’s perception of the childbirth experience has not been adequately measured. The purpose of the Women’s Experience in Childbirth Survey (WECS) is to provide a comprehensive measure of the experience for women having a vaginal birth. Methods: A cross-sectional design with 302 postpartum women analyzed the psychometric properties of the WECS. Validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and correlation to a self-rating of the overall experience. Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified four subscales consistent with the organizing framework. WECS scores and self-rated experience were significantly correlated r = .51, p < .01. Internal consistency α = .86 and temporal stability (r = .88, p < .001) are adequate. Conclusion: Initial analysis indicates sufficient reliability and validity for further development and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Sanders
- National Health Service - Maternity Service, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.,School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, UK
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18
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The relationship is everything: Women׳s reasons for choosing a privately practising midwife in Western Australia. Midwifery 2015; 31:772-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Welsh JV, Symon AG. Unique and proforma birth plans: a qualitative exploration of midwives׳ experiences. Midwifery 2014; 30:885-91. [PMID: 24703440 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND birth plans detailing a woman׳s preferences for intrapartum care are a common feature in British maternity units, and are a means of encouraging the implementation of choice. Proforma versions may be incorporated routinely in antenatal case notes, or the woman may devise her own unique birth plan. Although women׳s views of birth plans have been explored, the views of midwives have not to date been evaluated. The growth of midwife-led units in the UK has highlighted different philosophies of care, some of which can be reflected in the different types of birth plan. Given the increasingly diverse nature of UK midwifery workplaces we set out to explore and compare the experience of midwives working in midwife-led and obstetric-led settings in relation to unique and proforma birth plans. METHOD qualitative study using focus groups of midwives in a midwife-led unit (MLU; n=5) and obstetric-led unit (OLU; n=4) in the East of England. We used an interpretative phenomenological analytical approach. FINDINGS three main themes arose from the data. Firstly, the term 'birth plan' can be misleading, and was criticised for encouraging the belief that birth can be 'planned'. In addition, midwives claimed that 'unique' birth plans, especially those influenced by some consumer advocacy groups, are becoming standardised in their rejection of policies and procedures and requests for intervention-free birth. Secondly, birth plans were a source of irritation for midwives in both groups, although the cause of the irritation differed between groups. Finally, it was found that midwives in both groups felt that birth plans put pressure on them, although again, the source of the pressure, and therefore the way in which midwives reacted to this pressure, differed between groups. CONCLUSIONS the term 'birth plan' can be misleading and create false expectations. If 'unique' birth plans are becoming 'standardised' in the sense that they routinely request the same things, they are little different to proforma birth plans. Some midwives perceive pressure both from women and the wider multidisciplinary team as a result of birth plans, a perception that causes some irritation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne V Welsh
- Addenbrooke׳s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Andrew G Symon
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Dundee, 11 Airlie Place, Dundee DD1 4HJ, UK.
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Murtagh M, Folan M. Women's experiences of induction of labour for post-date pregnancy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.12968/bjom.2014.22.2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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McNelis M. Women's experiences of care during labour in a midwifery-led unit in the Republic of Ireland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.12968/bjom.2013.21.9.622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Thompson A. Midwives' experiences of caring for women whose requests are not within clinical policies and guidelines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.12968/bjom.2013.21.8.564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Phipps
- Jan Phipps Midwife Lecturer, Practitione, Research Midwife, Supervisor of Midwives, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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