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Waddell A, Goodwin D, Spassova G, Sampson L, Candy A, Bragge P. "We will be the ones bearing the consequences": A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to shared decision-making in hospital-based maternity care. Birth 2024. [PMID: 38270268 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women involved in decisions about their care report better health outcomes for themselves and their children. Shared decision-making (SDM) is a priority for health services; however, there is limited research on factors that help and hinder SDM in hospital-based maternity settings. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to SDM in a large tertiary maternity care service from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 39 participants including women, clinicians, health service administrators and decision-makers, and government policymakers. The interview guide and thematic analysis were based on the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify barriers and facilitators to SDM. RESULTS Women expect to be included in decisions about their care. Health service administrators and decision-makers, government policymakers, and most clinicians want to include them in decisions. Key barriers to SDM included lack of care continuity, knowledge, and clinician skills, as well as professional role and decision-making factors. Key facilitators pertained to policy and guideline changes, increased knowledge, professional role factors, and social influences. CONCLUSION This study revealed common barriers and facilitators to SDM and highlighted the need to consider perspectives outside the patient-clinician dyad. It adds to the limited literature on barriers and facilitators to SDM in hospital care settings. Organizational- and system-wide changes to service delivery are necessary to facilitate SDM. These changes may be enabled by education and training, changes to policies and guidelines to include and support SDM, and adequately timed information provision to enable SDM conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Waddell
- Safer Care Victoria, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Denise Goodwin
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gerri Spassova
- Department of Marketing, Monash Business School, Caulfield East, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Alix Candy
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Bragge
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute Evidence Review Service, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Vogels-Broeke M, Daemers D, Budé L, de Vries R, Nieuwenhuijze M. Women's Birth Beliefs During Pregnancy and Postpartum in the Netherlands: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:210-220. [PMID: 36938758 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women and care providers increasingly regard childbirth as a medical process, resulting in high use of medical interventions, which could negatively affect a woman's childbirth experience. Women's birth beliefs may be key to understanding the decisions they make and the acceptance of medical interventions in childbirth. In this study we explore women's beliefs about birth as a natural and medical process and the factors that are associated with women's birth beliefs. METHODS Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of women living in the Netherlands asking them about their experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, including their beliefs about birth as a natural and medical process. RESULTS A total of 3494 women were included in this study. Mean scores of natural birth beliefs ranged between 3.73 and 4.01 points, and medical birth belief scores ranged between 2.92 and 3.12 points. There were significant but very small changes between prenatal and postnatal birth beliefs. Regression analyses showed that (previous) childbirth experiences were the most consistent predictor of women's birth beliefs. DISCUSSION Women's high scores on natural birth beliefs and lower scores on medical birth beliefs correspond with the philosophy of Dutch perinatal care that considers pregnancy and childbirth to be natural processes. Perinatal care providers must be aware of women's birth beliefs and recognize that they as professionals influence women's birth beliefs. They make an important contribution to women's perinatal experiences, which affects both women's natural and medical birth beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Vogels-Broeke
- Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Darie Daemers
- Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Budé
- Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond de Vries
- Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marianne Nieuwenhuijze
- Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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3
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Monis M, O'Connell R, Andrews T. 'It will dictate how many children I will have"- Women's decision-making in pregnancy following a previous caesarean birth (CB). Midwifery 2023; 116:103533. [PMID: 36347147 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is supported in systematic reviews (Wu et al., 2019) and national guidelines (RCOG, 2015) and women are expected to be involved in the decision-making process for either a repeat caesarean birth or planned VBAC. AIM To develop a Grounded Theory (GT) of women's decision making of their birth choices in pregnancy following a previous caesarean birth (CB) OBJECTIVE: To explore what determines women's birth choice and their decision making for birth following a previous CB. DESIGN Semi structured interviews with pregnant women were undertaken in order to develop a Glasserian Grounded Theory SETTING: Antenatal clinics and wards in a large tertiary level maternity hospital. FINDINGS The theory of 'Mentalizing Possibilities' is a substantive theory which explains pregnant women's decision making about their birth choices after a previous CB. Women's main concern is to achieve a positive experience. The core category of 'Mentalizing Possibilities' explains how women process their previous experience, adapt to uncertainty and deal with the decisional conflict. There are behavioural and cognitive strategies which women use to go through this process. CONCLUSION Women want a positive birth experience after a previous CB and require support and continuity in decision making to help them decide the optimal birth choice for their current pregnancy.
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Colciago E, Brown AM, Ornaghi S, Antolini L, Nespoli A, Fumagalli S, Robinson A. The unpredictable nature of labour and birth: a qualitative investigation regarding expectations of Italian parents to-be. Midwifery 2022; 108:103286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Martos T, Sallay V, Rafael B, Konkolÿ Thege B. Preferred ways of giving birth in non-pregnant and pregnant nulliparous women: the role of control beliefs. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 42:201-211. [PMID: 31928281 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2019.1710486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the association between delivery-specific, health-related control beliefs and preferred ways of delivery in nulliparous Hungarian women. Moreover, since data about the delivery-specific control beliefs and delivery-related preferences of non-pregnant nulliparous women are lacking, the present study also seeks to provide descriptive information in this regard. METHODS A total of 984 Hungarian nulliparous women (26.45 ± 5.42 years; 660/77.2% non-pregnant and 224/22.8% pregnant) were included in the present study. The online assessment included measures of delivery-specific (internal-, healthcare professional-, and chance-related) health control beliefs, fears of childbirth, self-esteem, as well as preferences regarding delivery setting (i.e. spontaneous vaginal birth in hospital, planned cesarean birth and home birth). RESULTS Healthcare professional-related control beliefs were associated with a stronger preference for spontaneous vaginal birth in hospital (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.56-2.23) and planned cesarean birth (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.60-2.40), alongside a weaker preference for home birth (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.25-0.39). In contrast, internal delivery-specific control beliefs predicted a weaker preference for planned cesarean (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.78) and a stronger preference for home birth (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.33-2.00). A general preference index for medicalized ways of delivery was negatively associated with internal - and positively with healthcare professional - and chance-related control beliefs (βs = -.173, .074 and .445, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Delivery-related control beliefs are important psychological characteristics in the prediction of preferences for ways of delivery. Understanding delivery-specific control beliefs may be an important component of supporting women to give birth in a mentally and physically healthy way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Martos
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Viola Sallay
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Beatrix Rafael
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Barna Konkolÿ Thege
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Preis H, Mahaffey B, Lobel M. The role of pandemic-related pregnancy stress in preference for community birth during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Birth 2021; 48:242-250. [PMID: 33677838 PMCID: PMC8250474 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unparalleled uncertainty into the lives of pregnant women, including concerns about where it is the safest to give birth, while preserving their rights and wishes. Reports on the increased interest in community births (at home or in birth centers) are emerging. The purpose of this project was to quantitatively investigate psychological factors related to this birth preference. METHODS This study included 3896 pregnant women from the COVID-19 Pregnancy Experiences (COPE) Study who were anticipating a vaginal birth. COPE Study participants were recruited online between April 24 and May 15, 2020, and completed a questionnaire that included preference with respect to place of birth and psychological constructs: fear of childbirth, basic beliefs about birth, pandemic-related preparedness stress, and pandemic-related perinatal infection stress. RESULTS Women who preferred a community birth, on average, had less childbirth fear, had stronger beliefs that birth is a natural process, were less likely to see birth as a medical process, and were less stressed about being unprepared for birth and being infected with COVID-19. In multivariate models, higher stress about perinatal COVID-19 infection was associated with greater likelihood of preferring a community birth. The effect of perinatal infection stress on preference was stronger when preparedness stress was high. DISCUSSION Women's birth preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with psychological processes related to risk perception. Community births are more appealing to women who view being in a hospital as hazardous because of the pandemic. Policies and prenatal care aimed to increase access to safe in-hospital and out-of-hospital birth services should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Preis
- Department of PsychologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
- Department of PediatricsRenaissance School of MedicineStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Brittain Mahaffey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral HealthRenaissance School of MedicineStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Marci Lobel
- Department of PsychologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
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Maternal Psychological and Biological Factors Associated to Gestational Complications. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11030183. [PMID: 33807903 PMCID: PMC8000308 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of gestational complications is a priority in obstetrics. In our social context, this is linked to maternity age. Most studies are focused on biological factors. However, pregnancy is also influenced by social and psychological factors, which have not been deeply explored. We aimed to identify biopsychosocial risk and protective factors associated with the development of maternal and fetal complications. We enrolled 182 healthy pregnant women, and plasma melatonin and cortisol levels were measured in the first trimester by chemiluminescent immunoassays. At different time points along gestation, women answered several questionnaires (positive and negative affect schedule, hospital anxiety and depression scale, pregnancy concerns scale, life orientation test, resilience scale, life satisfaction scale and life–work conflicts scale). They were followed up until delivery and categorized as normal pregnancy, maternal or fetal complications. Maternal complications were associated with low melatonin (OR = 0.99 [0.98; 1.00]; p-value = 0.08) and life satisfaction (OR = 0.64 [0.41; 0.93]; p-value = 0.03) and fetal complications were associated with high cortisol (OR = 1.06 [1.02; 1.13]; p-value = 0.04), anxiety (OR = 2.21 [1.10; 4.55]; p-value = 0.03) and life–work conflicts (OR = 1.92 [1.04; 3.75]; p-value = 0.05). We conclude that psychological factors influence pregnancy outcomes in association with melatonin and cortisol alterations. High maternal melatonin and life satisfaction levels could be potential protective factors against the development of maternal complications during pregnancy. Low anxiety and cortisol levels and reduced work–life conflicts could prevent fetal complications.
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Samios C, Townsend M, Newton T. Self-compassion predicts less fear of childbirth in childless women: the mediating role of birth beliefs. Psychol Health 2020; 36:1336-1351. [PMID: 33185123 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1846737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women can have fear of childbirth (FOC) in advance of their first pregnancy and such fear can have implications for reproductive and eventual childbirth choices. This study aims to further our understanding of the role of self-compassion in FOC in young childless women, including possible pathways through which self-compassion might relate to less FOC: through natural and medical birth beliefs. DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In this correlational study, 316 young childless Australian women completed measures of self-compassion, natural and medical birth beliefs, and FOC. RESULTS Self-compassion predicted less FOC, and although self-compassion as a total score did not relate to natural birth beliefs, it did relate to lower scores on medical birth beliefs. The indirect effect through medical birth beliefs was supported; greater self-compassion predicted lower scores on medical birth beliefs, which in turn predicted less FOC. CONCLUSIONS The findings, although cross-sectional, support the study of self-compassion in FOC, which is in part because self-compassion predicts less medical birth beliefs. With further research, self-compassion training might be incorporated into public health initiatives targeting FOC in young childless women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Samios
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Australia
| | | | - Tracy Newton
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
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9
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Durgun Ozan Y, Alp Yilmaz F. Is there a relationship between basic birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety in Turkey. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:2036-2042. [PMID: 32643257 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM It is important to investigate the relationship between the beliefs about birth as a natural or medical process and the pregnancy-related anxiety that has a powerful impact on the negative outcomes of labor. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between basic birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety in Turkey. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in a University hospital located in eastern Turkey. The study sample included 473 primiparae having completed 14 weeks of pregnancy. The Birth Belief Scale and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire/PRAQ-R2 were used to collect the data. RESULTS A relationship was found between birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety. Strong beliefs about birth as a medical process or weak beliefs about birth as a natural process were found to be related with fear of giving birth and worries about bearing a handicapped child. CONCLUSION A relationship was detected between beliefs of pregnant women about birth as a medical and natural process and fear of giving birth, worries about bearing a handicapped child., concern about own appearance. It is highly important to detect the birth beliefs in order to help women have a healthy pregnancy period and to decrease their anxiety levels. Pregnancy-related anxieties of women must be detected, and their birth beliefs that result in anxiety must not be overlooked during the provision of prenatal healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeter Durgun Ozan
- Nursing Department, Atatürk School of Health, Dıcle University, Dıyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Figen Alp Yilmaz
- Health Sciences Faculty, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
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10
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Alp Yilmaz F, Durgun Ozan Y. Women's birth beliefs and associated factors in an obstetrics clinic in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jhr-07-2019-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeThe impact of birth beliefs on pregnancy and delivery are universally recognized, but the factors that affect birth beliefs vary across regions depending on individual and cultural characteristics. This study aimed to determine women's birth beliefs and examine their associated factors.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 548 primiparas in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital located in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey from February to June 2019. Descriptive characteristics, form and the Birth Beliefs Scale were used in data collection. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, T-tests and ANOVA analyses were used.FindingsIt was determined that factors such as age group, income level, any problems during pregnancy and preferred delivery mode statistically affected women's birth beliefs.Originality/valueBased on the findings from this study, healthcare personnel should provide training and consultation services to pregnant women starting from the prenatal period to help ensure a positive labor experience.
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11
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Variables related to maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care in Northern Italy. Women Birth 2020; 34:154-161. [PMID: 32111557 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of labour and birth is complex, multidimensional and subjective and has the potential to affect the women and their families physically and emotionally. However, there is a lack of research around maternal satisfaction in Italy. AIM To evaluate mothers' satisfaction with their childbirth experience in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and intrapartum care variables. METHODS A cross-sectional study involving 277 women who had given birth in a low risk maternity unit in Northern Italy was undertaken. Satisfaction with birth was measured using the Italian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (I-BSS-R). The scale comprises three Sub-Scales: quality of care provided, personal attributes of women and stress experienced during childbirth. FINDINGS No socio-demographic variables were related to maternal satisfaction. Multiparous women had a higher satisfaction score (p=0.020; CI:0.23;2.75). Antenatal class attendance was negatively associated with maternal satisfaction (p=0.038; CI:-2.58; -0.07). Intrapartum variables that significantly reduced maternal satisfaction were: epidural usage (p=0.000; CI:-4.66; -2.07), active phase >12h (p=0.000; CI:-6.01; -2.63), oxytocin administration (p=0.000; CI:-5.08; -2.29) and vacuum assisted birth (p=0.001; CI:-6.50; -1.58). Women with an intact perineum were more likely to be satisfied (p=0.008; CI:-4.60; -0.69). DISCUSSION In accordance with other research, we showed that intrapartum interventions are negatively associated with maternal outcomes and therefore also with maternal satisfaction with birth. The sub-scale that measured Quality of Care provided scored higher than the other two Sub-Scales. CONCLUSION Further studies on maternal satisfaction in Italy should be conducted, using the I-BSS-R with the aim to compare outcomes and understand what matters to women during childbirth.
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12
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Clesse C, Lighezzolo-Alnot J, de Lavergne S, Hamlin S, Scheffler M. The evolution of birth medicalisation: A systematic review. Midwifery 2018; 66:161-167. [PMID: 30176390 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
First described at the beginning of the 1970s, the concept of birth medicalisation has experienced a theoretical and ideological evolution influenced by the lines of research that have been associated with it. This evolution has given rise to different schools of thought concerning medicalisation, but also various methodologies used in different scientific fields. It seems relevant to propose a global synthesis of the various lines of thought related to birth medicalisation. To do this, the authors conducted a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA method. With a total of 38 occurrences in French and English, the authors scrutinised 17 databases with a publication period between 1995 and 2018. A total of 112 documents (107 articles, 3 book chapters, 2 books) has been identified, grouped and categorised into five main themes in the results section (1) the theoretical evolution of the concept of medicalisation, (2) factors related to the birth medicalisation, (3) the impact of the birth medicalisation, (4) the humanisation of birth and (5) experiences related to childbirth. A reasoned synthesis of the literature is therefore carried out in each part and then discussed according to the selected lines of research that require development in order to guarantee the best possible accompaniment to women who give birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Clesse
- Interpsy Laboratory (EA4432) Université de Lorraine - Nancy 2. 3 Place Godeffroy de Bouillon, 54000 Nancy, France; Hospital Centre of Jury-les-Metz - Route d'Ars Laquenexy BP75088, 57073, JURY-LESMETZ Cedex 03, France; Polyclinic Majorelle. 1240 avenue Raymond Pinchard 54100 Nancy, France.
| | - Joëlle Lighezzolo-Alnot
- Interpsy Laboratory (EA4432) Université de Lorraine - Nancy 2. 3 Place Godeffroy de Bouillon, 54000 Nancy, France.
| | | | - Sandrine Hamlin
- Polyclinic Majorelle. 1240 avenue Raymond Pinchard 54100 Nancy, France.
| | - Michèle Scheffler
- Polyclinic Majorelle. 1240 avenue Raymond Pinchard 54100 Nancy, France; Cabinet de Gynécologie Médicale et Obstétrique. 21 avenue Foch 54000 Nancy, France.
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13
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Preis H, Gozlan M, Dan U, Benyamini Y. A quantitative investigation into women's basic beliefs about birth and planned birth choices. Midwifery 2018; 63:46-51. [PMID: 29803012 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Perceptions about the nature of the birth process are important in determining women's birth choices regarding labour and delivery but are scarcely the subject of empirical research. The aim of the current study was to assess women's beliefs about birth as a natural and safe or medical and risky process and study the associations of these beliefs with fear of childbirth and planned birth choices. DESIGN An observational study using self-administered questionnaires during pregnancy. SETTING 1. Community women's health centres in a metropolitan area in Israel; 2. Purposeful sampling of women who plan to birth naturally, through home midwives and targeted internet forums. PARTICIPANTS 746 women with a singleton pregnancy in their second and third trimester. MEASUREMENTS Beliefs about birth as a natural and a medical process, fear of childbirth, and a range of natural birth choices. FINDINGS The birth beliefs were associated with women's birth intentions. The more women believed birth to be natural and the less they believed it to be medical, the more likely they were to make more natural birth-related choices. In the presence of the birth beliefs, fear of childbirth no longer had an independent association with birth choices. The beliefs interacted with each other, revealing a stronger association of viewing birth as natural with planning more natural choices among women who did not view birth as very medical. KEY CONCLUSION It is important to recognize women's beliefs about birth and how they may affect their fear of childbirth and birth intentions. Further studies on the origin of such beliefs and their development are needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Women should be allowed to choose how they would like to birth in accordance with their beliefs. At the same time, strengthening women's belief in the natural birth process and their body's ability to perform it, could help lower fear of childbirth and medical intervention rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Preis
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Miri Gozlan
- Women's Health Center, Maccabi Health Services, 1 Lishansky Street, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
| | - Uzi Dan
- Women's Health Center, Maccabi Health Services, 1 Lishansky Street, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
| | - Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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14
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Preis H, Eisner M, Chen R, Benyamini Y. First-time mothers' birth beliefs, preferences, and actual birth: A longitudinal observational study. Women Birth 2018; 32:e110-e117. [PMID: 29753684 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2018.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Birth preferences, such as mode and place of birth and other birth options, have important individual and societal implications, yet few studies have investigated the mechanism which predicts a wide range of childbirth options simultaneously. BACKGROUND Basic beliefs about birth as a natural and as a medical process are both predictive factors for childbirth preferences. Studies investigating birth beliefs, preferences, and actual birth are rare. AIM To test a predictive model of how these beliefs translate into birth preferences and into actual birth related-options. METHODS Longitudinal observational study including 342 first-time expectant mothers recruited at women's health centres and natural birth communities in Israel. All women filled out questionnaires including basic birth beliefs and preferred birth options. Two months postpartum, they filled out a questionnaire including detailed questions regarding actual birth. FINDINGS Stronger beliefs about birth being natural were related to preferring a more natural place and mode of birth and preferring more natural birth-related options. Stronger beliefs about birth being medical were associated with opposite options. The preferences mediated the association between the birth beliefs and actual birth. The beliefs predicted the preferences better than they predicted actual birth. DISCUSSION Birth beliefs are pivotal in the decision-making process regarding preferred and actual birth options. In a medicalized obstetric system, where natural birth is something women need to actively seek out and insist on, the predictive powers of beliefs and of preferences decrease. CONCLUSION Women's beliefs should be recognized and birth preferences respected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Preis
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Michal Eisner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Rony Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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