Feelings and fears during obstetric emergencies – 1

Abstract

This study addresses the balance by providing an illuminating picture of women's experiences of these traumatic events during childbirth. This qualitative study followed a phenomenological approach to highlight women's experiences of obstetric emergencies. Selection criteria was specifically aimed at women who had experienced one or more of the following types of emergencies during childbirth – cord prolapse, placental abruption, shoulder dystocia, uterine scar rupture, severe pre-eclampsia and major postpartum haemorrhage. Ten women were interviewed. They described their ‘lived experiences’ of the emergencies. Significant themes included issues around communication both verbal and non-verbal and the need to make sense of what had happened to them. The interviews provide a valuable insight into obstetric emergencies highlighting areas for improvement and also the positive aspects to care that women received during these events.

Malawian fathers’ views and experiences of attending the birth of their children: a qualitative study

“…Koppel and Kaise argued that hospital staff tended to underestimate and ignore the stress that fathers were going through when their partners were involved in an emergency birth [45]. Although Mapp and Hudson stated that during a stressful situation everyone including midwives and doctors, becomes stressed which makes communication difficult [46]. Nevertheless, the fathers who were prepared participate actively in the labour process, and their partners’ birthing-experiences tended to be better [47].…”

Information-hungry and disempowered: A qualitative study of women and their partners' experiences of severe postpartum haemorrhage

“…First-hand experience of events and the efforts that are made on their partners' behalf may give partners a sense of inclusion in the situation, rather than the exclusion described in our study. A partner's presence can be supportive for women in fear of their lives (Mapp and Hudson, 2005) and separation can be distressing: Elmir et al (2011) poignantly describe a partner crying and asking to give his wife 'a last kiss' before having to leave. In our study Kirsty was fearful when she realised Stephen was leaving, and Paul wanted to stay with Annie.…”

“…Researchers have explored women's experiences of traumatic birth at the time of delivery, highlighting feelings of panic, violation, loss of dignity, lack of care and communication, and negative thoughts (Mapp and Hudson, 2005;Ayers, 2007;Thomson and Downe, 2008;Elmir et al, 2010;Beck, 2011). The consequences of traumatic birth, the impact on relationships with partners and with babies (Ayers et al, 2006;Ayers, 2007;Nicholls and Ayers, 2007), breast feeding (Beck and Watson, 2008) and in particular the development of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS) (Creedy, 2000;Ayers and Pickering, 2001;Beck, 2004;Cohen et al 2004) are well documented.…”

Implementation of a structured programme of preceptorship for newly qualified midwives in a maternity unit

“…The learning developed during pre -registration education would be reinforced thus reducing the gap between practice and theory as highlighted later by Darra (2006). Mapp and Hudson (2005) (Mason and Davies, 2013). Three overarching themes were identified as: developing competence and confidence, the value of support and the impact of organizational constraints and requirements.…”