Effects of Comfort Education on Maternal Comfort and Labor Pain

Abstract

The effects of providing education regarding comfort options available in the hospital setting on level of maternal comfort and pain during labor were explored in a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest comparison group design (N = 80). No significant difference was found in maternal comfort or pain between the intervention group that received comfort education and the control group. Comfort education did result in change for plans to maintain comfort during labor (p = .000), an increased use of comfort measures during labor (p = .000), and an increased probability of continuation with original plans for pain control during labor. Providing education for maintaining comfort during labor can allow women to make informed choices during labor.

Association of Delivery Outcomes With the Number of Childbirth Education Sessions

“…This study was not able to control the intention to use medication during labor. Prior research found that training in comfort measures for labor is associated with changing plans for pain management in labor, suggesting that this finding may be due to the education provided rather than a selection bias for those attending childbirth education courses 40…”

“…Prior research found that training in comfort measures for labor is associated with changing plans for pain management in labor, suggesting that this finding may be due to the education provided rather than a selection bias for those attending childbirth education courses. 40 There are several reasons for which childbirth education may not be associated with induction of labor. First, there is an ongoing transition in scientific understanding of the risks for nonmedically indicated induction of labor.…”