The third paradigm in labour pain preparation and management: the childbearing woman's paradigm

Abstract

In this paper, we are presenting a study within the third paradigm in labour pain preparation and management: the childbearing woman's paradigm - the first and second being the midwifery and the medical paradigm, respectively. Midwives can play a major role in working with women in their preparation and management of labour pain. In the future, more research has to be done to illuminate this essential part of the childbearing woman's paradigm.

Women׳s experiences of coping with pain during childbirth: A critical review of qualitative research

“…The majority of women described positive aspects of their support throughout labour, particularly when continuity and continued reassurance was provided, whether this is in an explicit or implicit form. Interestingly this appeared consistent across the studies regardless of culture, religion, parity or context (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdottir, 1996;Gibbons and Thomson, 2001;Escott et al, 2004;Leap et al, 2010;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Karlsdottir et al, 2014). Consequently it appears, despite the heterogeneity of participants across the studies, all women value continuous support to enhance coping ability.…”

“…Despite all studies providing information describing the characteristics of their sample, only one study explicitly reported the use of induction or augmentation during labour (Gibbons and Thomson, 2000). The strongest theme evident throughout the studies was the need for continuous, individualised support throughout the childbirth experience and the impact this had upon coping ability (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdottir, 1996;Gibbons and Thomson, 2001;Escott et al, 2004;Leap et al, 2010;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Karlsdottir et al, 2014).…”

“…The women described this either explicitly, through a desire for continued reassurance by care providers and family relations (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdottir, 1996;Gibbons and Thomson, 2001;Escott et al, 2004;Leap et al, 2010;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012) or implicitly by a desire for health professionals simply remaining present within the birth environment (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdottir, 1996;Escott et al, 2004;Beigi et al, 2010;Karlsdottir et al, 2014). The women expressed an increased perception of vulnerability and loneliness during childbirth, relieved by the continued presence of the care provider (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdottir, 1996;Gibbons and Thomson, 2001;Escott et al, 2004;Leap et al, 2010;Beigi et al, 2010).…”

“…In contrast, when continuity of carer was unachievable, there was a detrimental influence upon the ability to cope during childbirth (Rachmawati, 2012). Continuity not only extended to the provision of explicit support, but also through the routine actions and behaviours of the health professionals facilitating care (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdottir, 1996;Leap et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Karlsdottir et al, 2014). One mother described the dramatic difference between a "task-orientated" and a "woman-orientated" approach to care provision.…”

“…Although the women perceived labour pain as challenging, many viewed it as playing an essential and often beneficial role in the process of childbearing (Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Karlsdottir et al, 2014;Whitburn et al, 2014) and express a positive perception of the pain which they experienced (Hallsdordottir and Karlsdottir, 1998;Lundgren and Dahlberg, 1998;Callister et al, 2001;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Whitburn et al, 2014). 'Its ok: this is the uterus contracting so I can meet my baby' (Whitburn et al, 2014 p. 3).…”