Midwives’ approaches to perineal care during labour

Abstract

Perineal care during labour has a crucial role in enhancing maternal experiences of childbirth. Midwives are in a pivotal position to provide perineal care during labour. Addressing a recognised gap in the literature, this study aims to examine midwives’ approaches to perineal care during labour. To reach this aim, the study’s objectives are to assess midwives’ knowledge and training related to perineal care during labour, to identify the techniques used by midwives to manage the perineum during labour, and to evaluate the midwives’ perceived effectiveness of the techniques employed in perineal management during labour. The study will utilise a quantitative approach using a one-time, self-designed, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. A convenience sampling technique will be used to recruit 55 eligible midwives working at the central delivery suite of Malta’s main public hospital. A pilot study will be carried out on 5 midwives before the actual study to determine the feasibility of the study. The analysis of the closed-ended questions will be manually counted and entered into Microsoft Excel System for organisation and statistical analysis. Results will be presented visually using pie charts and percentages to summarise demographic data, as well as midwives’ knowledge and practices related to perineal care. Open-ended questions will go through thematic analysis, with data categorised into common themes and patterns. The study is expected to gather insights into local midwives’ knowledge and training regarding perineal care and provide a general understanding of the approaches they utilise to maintain perineal care during labour. This research study aspires to improve maternal outcomes by identifying midwifery practices that minimise trauma and reduce postpartum complications, thus increasing maternal satisfaction. The study aims to contribute to evidence-based research on perineal care, ultimately enhancing clinical practices and informing the development of future midwifery training programmes and guidelines.