https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15053 2026-06-17T09:18:55Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15585 Title: Postnatal mothers' experiences of their pain in labour Abstract: Labour pain is a subjective, unique and "unpleasant sensory and emotional experience" (IASP, 2012) that categorizes amongst the most agonizing forms of pain (Beigi, et al., 2010; Conell-Price, et al., 2008; Ibach, et al., 2007; Pirdel & Pirdel, 2009). Studies show that labour pain is relative to the orientation in which labour is carried out. This retrospective qualitative study aimed to explore postnatal mothers' experiences of their pain in labour. The objectives of this study sought to: explore mothers' experiences of pain in labour and to explore how mothers coped with their pain during their first stage of labour. A convenience sample of five postnatal mothers (N=5) within the maternity wards of one local general hospital, voluntarily participated in a self-designed, in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face, audio-recorded interview consisting of open-ended questions. A 100% response rate was achieved. The collected data was transcribed vertabim whilst Braun and Clarke (2006) thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Four themes were derived from the mothers' accounts, namely: Women's Experiences of Labour Pain; Inhibitors of Successful Coping; Coping with Pain Enhancers; and Midwifery Approach of 'being with women' in Pain. The findings demonstrated that postnatal mothers have very strong views and often hold a mixture of emotions with regards to their experience of labour pain. In retrospect, the experience of labour pain was often viewed as meaningful and empowering. The experience of pain was highly dependent on the mother's perception, attitude and outlook towards labour pain and its purpose. Additionally, the experience of labour pain was greatly influenced by an array of physiological, psychological and environmental factors that acted as stressors or motivators. Women yearn for an optimal women-centred environment and a positive midwifery atmosphere, to facilitate a more satisfying maternal labouring experience. In view of time constraints, the study recruited a small sample size. However, given the qualitative research design, the small sample size strengthened the study because it enabled a deeper understanding of the mothers' experiences. Recommendations for practice and management, education and future research included, the need for: introduction of antenatal community midwifery; establishment of continuity of care and carer to facilitate the formation of a trusting midwife-mother relationship; the provision of personalised woman-centred care; better quality midwifery education and establishment of compulsory and continuous professional development (CPD) courses regarding the most updated research on intrapartum management of pain; and finally, conduction of the study on a wider scale, using a mixed method research design, and perchance also adopting a longitudinal approach. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15576 Title: Women’s expectations of antenatal care in the local public health sector Abstract: Antenatal care is an important aspect of care given to pregnant women. This includes the monitoring of maternal and fetal health, the provision of advice and information, and the required medical investigations to ensure a healthy outcome for the mother and baby, together with a positive experience of birth. A quantitative study using a self-designed questionnaire was conducted to explore women’s expectations of antenatal care in the local public health sector. The study seeks to meet three objectives; to explore women’s views on the importance of antenatal care, to explore women’s personal experience of the care provided, and to identify changes women may feel appropriate in their antenatal care. Forty pregnant women were recruited by convenience sampling to take part in this study. All participants completed the questionnaire; yielding a 100% response rate. The results of the closed-ended questions were analysed by simple descriptive statistics, while open-ended questions were analysed by thematic analysis. The findings suggest that women think that antenatal care is an important aspect of care to ensure foetal development and wellbeing of the mother and baby. The positive attitudes of midwives and the provision of useful and understandable information were elements which the participants were mostly satisfied with. On the other hand, the participants were mostly disappointed by the long waiting time, overcrowding, rushed visits and the lack of continuity of care and carer. Strategies to overcome these problems were suggested by the participants. Some of these suggestions included keeping appointment times and having more structured appointment times to decrease the waiting time experienced, having longer visits, and always being seen by the same care provider to improve the continuity of care and carer. Recommendations for practice, education and further research are proposed in the conclusion of this study. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15555 Title: Quality antenatal care in the local public health sector : midwives’ views Abstract: Quality of antenatal care is a significant determinant of the prosperity and safety of motherhood. The Institute of Medicine suggested a working definition of ‘quality’ in healthcare, in which the fundamental factors were highlighted: safety, timely, efficiency, women-centred, effectivity and equitable (Institute of Medicine, 2001). The aim of this study was to explore the midwives’ views of the quality of antenatal care in the local public health sector. The objectives of the study were to seek the midwives’ views and understandings on the factors that constitute quality antenatal care and to identify the midwives’ strategies in improving the factors that constitute quality of antenatal care. To fulfil the study’s aim and objectives, a qualitative study was carried out, using self-designed semi-structured interviews, consisting of open-ended questions. The sample consisted of six midwives working at the outpatient’s antenatal clinic, at the local general hospital and the sampling technique chosen was convenience sampling. Data was analysed by content analysis using Braun & Clarke (2006) framework. The findings of this study demonstrate, that midwives are not acquainted with the notion of quality, as they failed to directly identify the six factors emphasised by the Institute of Medicine (2001). Notwithstanding this, in relation to their views on the local antenatal care services, all of the midwives identified that the provision of antenatal care locally, needs to better its quality. Moreover, midwives were aware of the obstacles preventing the provision of quality care, and in view of this, proposed recommendations towards developing state of the art antenatal care services. This thus exhibits, that midwives do have a basic understanding of the multi-dimensional concept of quality, however the midwives might need further education and training in this regard. For this reason, the researcher proposed recommendations for education, clinical practice and further research. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z