Emotion work among pregnant and birthing women

Abstract

Backgroundprevious research has examined emotional labour as an important component of the occupational work of midwives and gynaecological nurses. Fewer studies explore emotion work by women during normal pregnancy and birth, and existing studies emphasise emotion work based on the midwife–woman relationship. This study explores use of emotion work during pregnancy and birth among a sample of women. Objectivethe study objective is to identify the mechanisms and purposes of emotion work among women during pregnancy and birth. Designdata consist of 18 in-depth interviews with women regarding their pregnancy and birth experiences and seven online pregnancy journals. Data were analysed to identify themes in participants׳ descriptions of emotion work during pregnancy and birth. Findingsparticipants described four methods of emotion work that included shifting cognitive focus, exerting control, social support and using technology. Participants used emotion work for the four main purposes of maintaining their own and their babies׳ health, coping with negative events, managing pain, and achieving their desired birth. Although some emotion work was undertaken in relational context with the midwife or partner, much of the emotion work described took place in solitude. Implications for practicesocial support from midwives or partners was a form of emotion work that facilitated positive interpretations of the birth experience.