A Study of Psychophysical Methods for Relief of Childbirth Pain

A study of the crisis nature of the preparenthood period and implications for preventative social work practice

“…28 (39) . Buxton (11), Chertok (13) and other researchers have found that pain is reduced by childbirth preparation and that preparation increases self control. A review of the literature found n~~erous references stating that women who are able to (meaning not drugged) and allowed the opportunity of actively participating in childbirth have more fulfilling birth experiences than those who rely on physicians and drugs.…”

“…White (67), in 1957,· writes about maternal mental illnesses associated with childbearing. Chertok (11), in 1959, speaks of pregnancy as a progressively developing crisis with labour and delivery as its peak. Shainess describes this period as "a crucible tempering the self and resulting in its expansion", if all ~oes well, or "leaving the self damaged" if all does not go well during the course of pregnanc7, labour, delivery and early motherhood.…”

“…Many authors feel that much or the anxiety in relation to pregn~ncy felt by women in our culture is ~ trained and socially reinforced response---q response learned as ~he s result of prevailing ignorance of the events of pregnancy, labour, delivery and parenthood (1,9,44,61 (1,4,9,11,13,16,17,18,19,23,39,64,72). The most widely used scale 1n studies of this kind has been the Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS).…”

“…Tne purpose Of the Specific techniques is to give the woman a method of coping with the labor oontract1ons, thereby, reducing anxiety, which results in less pain. (11) Ascher (4) recommends, more programs or prepared childbirth eduoat1on and parent education which will reach all segm.ents or the population since, in her opinion, this type of consultation grea~ly reduces anxiety levels during. p~e~ nancy.…”

“…Buxton (11), Chertok (14) and Tanzer (64) present good reviews of the theory, history and development of the natural childbirth programs available.…”