Women's views about the importance of education in preparation for childbirth

Hollins-Martin, CJ and Robb, Y 2013, 'Women's views about the importance of education in preparation for childbirth' , Nurse Education in Practice, 13 (6) , pp. 512-518.

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Abstract

Background: This paper reports original research that embraces childbearing women’s views about the importance of education in preparation for childbirth. A survey was carried out using the Birth Satisfaction Scale developed by Hollins Martin and Fleming (2011). All of the items in the questionnaire include a space where the women can add their own comments to allow them to document what is important to them. This paper reports the analysis of this qualitative data. Methods: The qualitative data collected in the survey was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method for undertaking a thematic analysis. Participants: Participants were a convenience sample of postnatal women from a maternity unit in the West of Scotland (UK) (n ¼ 228) who had an uncomplicated pregnancy at term (37e42 weeks). Those with a medical diagnosis, poor obstetric history, prematurity (<37 weeks), postmaturity (>42 weeks), younger than (<16) and over (>50) of age, had a history of stillbirth, perinatal or neonatal death were excluded from participating in the study. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: ‘Better to be prepared’, ‘Prepared through previous experience’ and ‘In labour nothing goes to plan'. Conclusion: The participants in this study were variable in their reports about the importance of education in preparation for childbirth, with some clearly presenting a perception of no need. For the midwife, importance lies in providing women with educational opportunities and choice and control in relation to uptake. Recommendations: Women may perceive more value in education when they evaluate it as critical to their outcomes. For example, providing information about: (a) how to identify risk factors before and after birth, (b) strategies that can work towards improving maternal and fetal health, (c) how to improve fetal growth and wellbeing, (d) how to improve nutritional and dietary status, (e) optimising pregnancy outcomes. In relation to delivery of education, midwives require to make purpose and links clear.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Applied Research in Health, Welfare and Policy
Journal or Publication Title:	Nurse Education in Practice
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	1471-5953
Related URLs:	Publisher
Funders:	Non funded research
Depositing User:	CJ Hollins Martin
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2013 14:35
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 15:07
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/30247

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