Abstract
BackgroundMidwives have their own beliefs and values regarding pain during childbirth. Their preferences concerning labour pain management may influence women’s choices. AimTo gain a deeper understanding of midwives’ attitudes and experiences regarding the use of an epidural during normal labour. MethodsA qualitative approach was chosen for data collection. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with midwives working in three different obstetric units in Norway. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Malterud’s systematic text condensation. FindingsThe analysis provided two main themes: “Normal childbirth as the goal” and “Challenges to the practice, knowledge, philosophy and experience of midwives”. Distinctive differences in experiences and attitudes were found. The workplace culture in the obstetric units affected the midwives’ attitudes and their midwifery practice. How they attended to women with epidural also differed. An epidural was often used as a substitute for continuous support when the obstetric unit was busy. DiscussionMidwives estimate labour pain differently, and this might impact the midwifery care. However, midwives’ interests and preferences concerning labour pain management should not influence women’s choices. Midwives are affected by the setting where they work, and research highlights that an epidural might lead to a focus on medical procedures instead of the normality of labour. ConclusionMidwives should be aware of how powerful their position is and how the workplace culture might influence their attitudes. The focus should be on “working with” women to promote a normal birth process, even with an epidural.
Highlights
Attitudes to labour pain All the participants agreed that an epidural provides good pain relief and is especially beneficial for exhausted women with prolonged labour and for women who are frightened
This study has provided some insight regarding midwives’ experiences and attitudes towards epidurals in a normal birth process
Some midwives did not see why the women should be in pain when an epidural was available, while others saw it as an intervention
Summary
Research suggests that the frequency of epidural use in labour is still increasing, both in Norway and in other western countries [2,5]. Midwives have their own beliefs and values regarding pain during childbirth. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with midwives working in three different obstetric units in Norway. The workplace culture in the obstetric units affected the midwives’ attitudes and their midwifery practice. How they attended to women with epidural differed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.