Midwives' perspective of non-pharmacological pain relief in first stage of labour.

Abstract

The main aim of this descriptive study was to explore midwives' perspectives of non-pharmacological pain management in first stage of labour. The objectives were to gain insight of the midwives' perspectives on non-pharmacological pain relief as part of midwifery care, to explore factors influencing choice of pain relief and to investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological pain relief in first stage of labour. Self-designed questionnaires were distributed among 38 midwives working at central delivery suite in the Maltese state hospital. A response rate of 84.2% (n=32) was achieved. Findings show that respondents felt that non-pharmacological pain relief had an important role in midwifery care, particularly in relation to promoting normal childbirth and holistic care, decreasing medical interventions and increasing positive birth experience. The most often offered technique by midwives were breathing technique and mobility including changing in position and using the birthing ball. Other factors that may influence mothers' choice of pain relief included the obstetricians' influence of medicalisation of childbirth and mothers' sociocultural background, as well as, other barriers that may hinder midwives from offering non-pharmacological coping techniques such as lack of resources and training. Choices in non-pharmacological pain relief may empower labouring mothers and may promote normal birth, however, such coping techniques are still limited in the local area of midwifery care. Providing written protocol with regards to non-pharmacological pain relief, providing continuous professional development courses on various coping therapies, and exploring views of mothers, obstetricians and anaesthetists in qualitative research studies are recommended.