Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63843
Title: Mothers' knowledge and views about positions during birth
Authors: Deschrijver, Vincenza
Keywords: Childbirth -- Malta
Midwives -- Malta
Mothers -- Malta
Issue Date: 2010
Citation: Deschrijver, V. (2010). Mothers' knowledge and views about positions during birth (Bachelor’s & Master’s dissertation)
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
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63843
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2010
Dissertations - FacHScMid - 2010

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