https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55791 2026-04-04T20:05:31Z 2026-04-04T20:05:31Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64069 2020-11-22T06:11:55Z 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Caring for the bereaved mother : the midwife's perspective Abstract: This study investigated midwives' knowledge of bereavement care, common bereavement care practices, midwives' educational needs, and the emotional difficulties they face when caring for bereaved mothers. Analysis of the literature revealed that midwives caring for bereaved mothers face challenges which are particular to the situation. Midwives cite lack of knowledge, lack of training, including in counselling, skills, and inadequate emotional support as the greatest challenges when providing bereavement care. As a result of this, midwives feel uncertain, overwhelmed and may be demotivated. A small-scale, descriptive study was undertaken to explore these themes. A convenience sample of thirty seven midwives working on Delivery Suite and Obstetric Ward 2 was chosen. Twenty seven midwives completed a self reporting questionnaire. Content analysis was performed to analyse data collected from the open-ended questions. The study showed that midwives possess knowledge of the grieving process, and provide physical and emotional care to bereaved mothers. In spite of this, many midwives still felt unprepared to care for mothers going through loss, and unsure if the care they provide is what mothers want. The majority of midwives would be interested in short courses related to bereavement and bereavement care. Midwives find it difficult to reconcile birth with death, and feel emotionally involved with bereaved mothers. They seek emotional support from colleagues, family, and friends and from other professionals, mostly psychologists. Midwives also reported using different techniques to cope with the emotional difficulties they face when caring for bereaved mothers. The need for a formal support system for midwives caring for bereaved mothers was evident in this study. Ongoing education and a structure which provides emotional support to midwives when caring for bereaved mothers seem to be the midwives' requirements in relation to bereavement care. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64022 2020-11-22T06:11:49Z 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Aspects of midwifery care for asylum seeking women during labour Abstract: From a transcultural point of view, midwives must deliver a service that is culturally sensitive and appropriate. However, for a variety of reasons there is growing concern that midwives are not adequately prepared to give optimal care to culturally diverse women during labour and birth. This cross-sectional, survey design, quantitative study was aimed to explore midwives' views when caring for asylum seeking women during labour. The objectives of this study were to assess midwives' awareness of cultural and communication issues, and to determine whether midwives viewed transcultural midwifery education as important, in order to deliver appropriate care. Data was obtained from a convenience sample of twenty-five registered midwives (N=25) working at the Central Delivery Suite at the General Hospital, who were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire, which yielded a 100 % response rate. Data was manually analyzed and represented using figures, percentages. Findings revealed that respondents do take into consideration the cultural needs of the woman during labour. Respondents reported that cultural barriers such as communication and the mother's attitude do influence the care given by the midwives during labour and birth. Furthermore, all respondents suggested that midwives do not have enough transcultural awareness to give optimal care, and suggested that they would like further education to help them meet the needs of asylum seeking women during labour. This study offers some insights into transcultural midwifery practice and in accordance with the findings, identifies recommendations for improving these practices within midwifery and midwifery education. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63945 2020-11-22T06:10:45Z 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Women's experiences of perineal pain following normal vaginal deliveries Abstract: This study explored women's experiences of perineal pain at ten days post normal childbirth and its effect on maternal physical health. This research sought to meet four objectives. It evaluated mothers' experiences of perineal pain, enquired how perineal pain interfered with their daily activities, assessed perineal pain when associated with parity and type of trauma, and identified which pain relief methods were used. A descriptive, quantitative design by self-administered questionnaires was adopted by the researcher. Questionnaires were distributed to forty mothers in the local general hospital, recruited by convenience sampling. A response rate of 80% was obtained. Data gathered was analysed manually, using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results compare to existing literature, in that perineal pain was common and interfered negatively with early motherhood. However, it was considered as a normal process following a vaginal delivery and was mostly unreported. Perineal trauma and episiotomies were common in primiparous women and with the delivery of large babies. Moreover, perineal trauma was shown to increase perineal pain intensity. Trauma led to perineal suturing and sutures were shown to be of discomfort to most mothers, at ten days postpartum. Mothers were not prepared antenatally about the pain they would be feeling in their perineum and insufficient pain relief was taken. A main limitation of the study is that findings cannot be generalizable due to the small sample size involved. Main recommendations include the avoidance of episiotomy unless really indicated, local midwives should be trained for perineal repair, and mothers should be prepared on the reality of postpartum perineal pain together with the available pain relief. Further research in perineal pain identification and management is essential. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63843 2020-11-16T07:18:18Z 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Mothers' knowledge and views about positions during birth Abstract: Women's choices about birthing positions are to be respected throughout the birth process. This study aimed to gain insight on the mother's knowledge and views upon birthing positions. The objective of this quantitative study was to find out which positions are considered more comfortable during childbirth in both primiparous and multiparous mothers. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised. The sample included 30 Maltese mothers recruited by convenience sampling. Participants filled up the questionnaire within 2 days of giving birth. A response rate of 100% was obtained. Data was analyzed manually using descriptive statistics. Data revealed that although mothers were well informed through antenatal classes about different birthing positions during labour, the midwife played an important role. The birthing environment and equipment used, affected the choice of the birthing position too. The overall views of the mothers were positive. There was hardly any difference between the upright and supine positions with regards to comfort, safety, satisfaction, exposure and control. However, the upright positions resulted in easier birth, less pain and no need of episiotomies but with an increase in perineal tears. Moreover, results showed that the majority of mothers would choose the same position in a future birth. Some of the results agreed to other similar studies. Being a quantitative small scale study one cannot generalize on the study. Repeating the study by a qualitative approach to obtain a richer data is valuable. Giving choice to mothers to deliver in whatever position is comfortable for them and providing focused information and practice about different birthing positions to mothers are recommended. Ideally, there should be team work between midwives educating mothers at parentcraft, in collaboration with the midwives at the birthing centre that would assist the mothers during labour and advocate different positions. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z