Antenatal education and the birthing experience of Brazilian women: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundInformation is still scarce on the birthing experience of women who participate in antenatal systematic education programs. The objective of the study was to report the experience of labor as described by nulliparous women who participated and who did not in a systematic Birth Preparation Program (BPP).MethodA qualitative study was conducted with eleven women who participated in a BPP and ten women attending routine prenatal care selected through purposeful sampling. The BPP consisted of systematized antenatal group meetings structured to provide physical exercise and information on pain prevention during pregnancy, the role of the pelvic floor muscles, the physiology of labor, and pain relief techniques. A single, semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analyses performed. The relevant themes were organized in the following categories of analysis: control of labor, positions adopted during labor, and satisfaction with labor.ResultsWomen who participated in the systematic educational activities of the BPP reported they maintained self-control during labor and used breathing exercises, exercises on the ball, massage, baths and vertical positions to control pain. Also they reported satisfaction with their birthing experience. Women who did not participate in systematic educational activities referred to difficulties in maintaining control during labor and almost half of them reported lack of control. Also they were more likely to report dissatisfaction with labor.ConclusionsWomen who participated in the BPP reported self-control during labor and used non-pharmacological techniques to control pain and facilitate labor and expressed satisfaction with the birthing experience.

Why do women assume a supine position when giving birth? The perceptions and experiences of postnatal mothers and nurse-midwives in Tanzania

“…Despite evidence that supports the upright position during labour and delivery as the most optimal way to ensure a positive outcome for the mother and her baby, supine positioning remains the most commonly used by women during childbirth [3,4]. Not surprisingly, a significant majority of women (68%) gave birth lying on their backs or in a semi-sitting position and a few used other maternal positions [5,6].…”

Development and Effect of Nurse-Centered Doula Support Program for Mothers with Natural Childbirth: PILOT TEST

“…이에 전문 간호를 수행하기 위해 지속적으로 자기 계발을 하고 전문 역 량을 강화하기 위해서 다방면으로 노력이 필요하다 (Kim, 2006 NDSP, nurse-centered doula support program application group; Non-NDSP, nurse-centered doula support program nonapplication group. (Miquelutti et al, 2013;Oh et al, 2006)…”

The impact of motivational interviewing on participation in childbirth preparation classes and having a natural delivery: a randomised trial

“…Childbirth preparation classes are held with the aim of educating pregnant women and their partners about prenatal health care, childbirth and delivery, antepartum and postpartum nutrition and exercise, correct breastfeeding technique, and other postnatal cares . The benefits of childbirth preparation classes during pregnancy and delivery include increasing the self‐confidence of women before childbirth, improving the relationship between pregnant women and midwifery service providers, preparing women for childbirth, improving the psychological state of pregnant women, the reported higher satisfaction and more efficient use of labour pain management techniques, and a reduction in selective induction . Also, benefits in the postpartum period include increased rates of breastfeeding and positive birth experiences …”