Are expectations of labour and birth fulfilled? A qualitative investigation of first-time parents.
birthing experience
family‐centred approach
fear of labour
feeling of uncertainty
fulfilment of birth expectations
memories of birth
midwifery care
parents' birth expectations
respectful maternity care
unexpected birth outcomes
Journal
Journal of advanced nursing
ISSN: 1365-2648
Titre abrégé: J Adv Nurs
Pays: England
ID NLM: 7609811
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
24 Jun 2024
24 Jun 2024
Historique:
revised:
03
05
2024
received:
08
05
2023
accepted:
29
05
2024
medline:
26
6
2024
pubmed:
26
6
2024
entrez:
26
6
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
To describe if first-time parents' expectations of labour and birth, explored during the third trimester of pregnancy, were fulfilled or not when investigated 1 year following birth. Qualitative Husserlian phenomenological approach. The sample comprises 10 parents (five couples), who participated in an online semi-structured audio-recorded individual interview conducted 1 year after birth, between September 2020 and October 2020. Parents' expectations of labour and birth, described throughout a focus group discussion on pregnancy, were compared with their experience explored 1 year after birth. A thematic analysis was adopted and member checking was used to validate participants' thoughts. Participants gave birth in a II level maternity unit and one-to-one midwifery care was provided. Although during the focus group conducted in pregnancy, women reported being aware of the unpredictable nature of childbirth, they expressed sadness and failure after experiencing some unexpected interventions. The midwife was a reassuring guide, as expected; however, sometimes, the communication was not effective, and women perceived lack of support. Some women partly blame themselves for not being prepared to manage labour pain, which hurt more than expected. Feeling of uncertainty about events were experienced in relation to seeking care at an early stage of labour, which confirmed the fears expressed during pregnancy. During the antenatal focus group discussion, fathers doubted they could be helpful for the labouring women. This negative emotion was confirmed after birth. However, they understood the importance to be present and to support their partner. One year after birth, participants had consistent memories of their birth experience. Professionals might identify fundamental components of quality maternity care that are meaningful for parents, with the potential to generate a long-term positive health impact on them. Respectful maternity care should be ensured through a family-centred approach, with the aim to promote satisfaction. The study highlights the importance of taking parents' expectations into account when providing antenatal care to tailor individualized support that addresses their distinct needs and preferences. Healthcare professionals might consider initiating a post-natal discussion with parents to assess whether their needs and perspectives have been addressed. This perspective may present valuable insights to achieve long-term positive outcomes, provide high-quality maternity care, address issues and make improvements. The study showed that 1 year after birth, parents can accurately recall their birth. They might also give significant insights into fundamental components of care that they value as crucial to shape a positive birthing experience. Professionals should use this information to build solutions, promoting long-term well-being for parents. Respectful interactions and trusting relationships emerged as key elements in parents' experience. A midwifery care focused on parents' needs may contribute to the achievement of positive birth memories. This study used the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. No patient or public contribution.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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