How to Implement Complementary Therapies for Laboring Women

Abstract

Complementary therapies have been a part of nursing practice for centuries and are supported today as a part of nursing practice by many state boards of nursing. Some of these modalities can be used by nurses as a part of their comprehensive plan of labor support for women during the childbirth experience. This article describes five complementary therapies (aromatherapy, massage, use of birth balls, music therapy, and hydrotherapy), and how one large Midwestern hospital system implemented an educational program for nurses that helped them integrate complementary therapies into their nursing care for laboring women.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of selected intervention in reducing level of pain perception and birth experience among primi gravida mothers

“…These findings also demonstrated that use of the birth ball during labour was safe. [6] Regarding the experience of using the birth ball during labour, most women reported that it could promote comfort and relaxation, reduce their anxiety, as well as labour and back pains. This was consistent with the information in the literature.…”

Uso da bola suíça no trabalho de parto

“…This is in line with recommendations for parturient women's adequate ball use, which should follow some safety precautions. Among these, the presence of a companion for support and safety or of a firm support in front of the parturient, like the bed for example, are fundamental (5) . As for the orientations that have been practiced for ball use, 31.7% of the answers the nurses gave mentioned the propulsion movement, up and down, when sitting on the ball and 30.5% the rotating hip movement.…”

“…A bit less frequent (46.9%), pain relief was also mentioned. The movements accomplished when using the ball enhance comfort and can decrease pain by stimulating the mechanic receptors of the pelvic articulation (5) . When asked about difficulties to put in practice ball use during labor care, 25 (80.6%) nurses answered they did not face any problem.…”

“…Women who gave birth at these locations have displayed higher satisfaction levels, decreased use of medical interventions and greater probability of spontaneous delivery (1) . Among non-pharmacological practices, the use of acupuncture, acupressure, hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques, cold and heat application, aromatherapy, audioanalgesia, massage and immersion bath during labor have been studied (2)(3)(4)(5)(6) . Stimulating walking and active postures during labor also constitutes a comfort strategy and is associated with shorter delivery times, without harmful repercussions for mothers and infants (7) .…”

Freedom of Movement During Labor: How? What Does it Provide? What is the Role of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nurses?

“…21,23 Doğum eyleminde dilatasyonun gerçekleştiği travay sürecinde kontraksiyonlara bağlı hissedilen ağrı normal ve beklenen bir durum olmakla birlikte, ağrı en şiddetli ağrı kaynağı olarak da bilinmekte ve tanımlanmaktadır. 6,22,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Doğum ağrısı, öznel bir deneyim olması nedeni ile kültürel, bilişsel, dinsel, ruhsal ve çevresel faktörlerden etkilenebilmektedir. 6,36,37 Diğer yandan doğum eyleminde yaşanan korku, gerilim ve ağrı gibi psikomotivasyonel faktörler uterus aktivitesini azaltarak doğum sürecini uzatabilmektedir.…”