Supporting birth companions for women in labor, the views and experiences of birth companions, women and midwives: A mixed methods systematic review.
birth companions
intrapartum care
midwifery care
Journal
Birth (Berkeley, Calif.)
ISSN: 1523-536X
Titre abrégé: Birth
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 8302042
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
12 2023
12 2023
Historique:
revised:
20
01
2023
received:
04
02
2020
accepted:
01
06
2023
medline:
14
11
2023
pubmed:
18
8
2023
entrez:
18
8
2023
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Birth companions can have a positive effect on women's experiences in labor. However, companions can feel unprepared and need professional guidance to help them feel involved and provide effective support. A convergent segregated mixed-methods systematic review was conducted to explore women's, companions', and midwives' experiences of birth companion support and identify ways to improve the experience for women and companions. A thematic synthesis of qualitative data and a narrative summary of quantitative data were conducted followed by integration of the findings. Companions who cope well in labor reported feeling involved, able to preserve women's internal focus and have a defined role, providing physical or emotional support. LBGTQ+ partners faced barriers to inclusion due to "forefronting" of their sexuality by staff and a lack of recognition in the language and processes used. The experience of birth companions can be enhanced by promoting their role as co-parent, guardian, and coach, provision of timely information and developing a trusting relationship with care providers. Only two papers reported midwives' views on birth companions in labor. Women's and companions' satisfaction with birth is increased when companions can support the mother, feel supported themselves, and valued as a co-parent. The midwives' role in information provision and guidance can maximize birth companions' experience and ability to provide positive support. LBGTQ+ families need more support to feel included and recognized.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Birth companions can have a positive effect on women's experiences in labor. However, companions can feel unprepared and need professional guidance to help them feel involved and provide effective support.
METHODS
A convergent segregated mixed-methods systematic review was conducted to explore women's, companions', and midwives' experiences of birth companion support and identify ways to improve the experience for women and companions. A thematic synthesis of qualitative data and a narrative summary of quantitative data were conducted followed by integration of the findings.
RESULTS
Companions who cope well in labor reported feeling involved, able to preserve women's internal focus and have a defined role, providing physical or emotional support. LBGTQ+ partners faced barriers to inclusion due to "forefronting" of their sexuality by staff and a lack of recognition in the language and processes used. The experience of birth companions can be enhanced by promoting their role as co-parent, guardian, and coach, provision of timely information and developing a trusting relationship with care providers. Only two papers reported midwives' views on birth companions in labor.
CONCLUSIONS
Women's and companions' satisfaction with birth is increased when companions can support the mother, feel supported themselves, and valued as a co-parent. The midwives' role in information provision and guidance can maximize birth companions' experience and ability to provide positive support. LBGTQ+ families need more support to feel included and recognized.
Types de publication
Systematic Review
Journal Article
Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
689-710Informations de copyright
© 2023 The Authors. Birth published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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