Women׳s experiences of labour pain and the role of the mind: An exploratory study

Whitburn, Laura Y.; Jones, Lester; Davey, Mary‐Ann; Small, Rhonda

doi:10.1016/j.midw.2014.04.005

Cited by 67 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Many of the women commented on an acceptance of pain as an inevitable part of childbirth and as a result induced an increased ability to cope with labour pain (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdottir, 1996;Lundgren and Dahlberg, 1998;Callister et al, 2001;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Whitburn et al, 2014). Although the women perceived labour pain as challenging, many viewed it as playing an essential and often beneficial role in the process of childbearing (Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Karlsdottir et al, 2014;Whitburn et al, 2014) and express a positive perception of the pain which they experienced (Hallsdordottir and Karlsdottir, 1998;Lundgren and Dahlberg, 1998;Callister et al, 2001;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Whitburn et al, 2014).…”

Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the women perceived labour pain as challenging, many viewed it as playing an essential and often beneficial role in the process of childbearing (Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Karlsdottir et al, 2014;Whitburn et al, 2014) and express a positive perception of the pain which they experienced (Hallsdordottir and Karlsdottir, 1998;Lundgren and Dahlberg, 1998;Callister et al, 2001;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Whitburn et al, 2014). 'Its ok: this is the uterus contracting so I can meet my baby' (Whitburn et al, 2014 p. 3).…”

Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…'Its ok: this is the uterus contracting so I can meet my baby' (Whitburn et al, 2014 p. 3). The women described the experience of pain as 'natural', 'normal' (Lundgren and Dahlberg, 1998;Whitburn et al, 2014) and 'manageable' (Leap et al, 2004;Karlsdottir et al, 2014) often commenting on the inherent paradox which childbirth presents (Lundgren and Dahlberg, 1998;Callister et al, 2004;Beigi et al, 2010;Rachmawati, 2012;Whitburn et al, 2014). 'I remember thinking 'this hurts but it also feels awesome'" (Whitburn et al, 2014, p. 3).…”

Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For some women, the role of religion provided a rationale for the pain they were experiencing, resulting in an increased acceptance and ability to cope (Callister et al, 2001;Beigi et al, 2010, Rachmawati, 2012: 'It is God's will for women to feel pain when giving birth' (Callister et al, 2001, p. 30). Others commented upon the beneficial effect of maintaining the view of "it will be worth it" (Escott et al, 2004;Rachmawati, 2012), welcoming pain as it meant labour was progressing (Lundgren and Dahlberg, 1998;Leap et al, 2010;Whitburn et al, 2014) and 'helped' women to give birth (Hallsdorsdottir and Karlsdorsdottir, 1996;Karlsdorsdottir et al, 2014;Whitburn et al, 2014).…”

Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Women׳s experiences of coping with pain during childbirth: A critical review of qualitative research

Gucht¹,

Lewis²

2015

Midwifery

110

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Objective: to identify and analyse qualitative literature exploring women's experiences of coping with pain during childbirth. Design: critical review of qualitative researchFindings: Ten studies were included, conducted in Australia, England, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran and Sweden. Eight of the studies employed a phenomenological perspective with the remaining two without a specific qualitative methodological perspective. Thematic analysis was used as the approach for synthesising the data in this review. Two main themes emerged as the most significant influences upon a woman's ability to cope with pain: (i) the importance of individualised, continuous support and (ii) an acceptance of pain during childbirth.This review found women felt vulnerable during childbirth and valued the relationships they had with health professionals. Many of the women perceived childbirth pain as challenging however they described the inherent paradox for the need for pain to birth their child. This allowed them to embrace the pain subsequently enhancing their coping ability.Key conclusions: women's experience of coping with pain during childbirth is complex and multi-faceted. Many women felt the need for effective support throughout childbirth and described the potential implications where this support failed to be provided. Feeling safe through the concept of continuous support was a key element of care to enhance coping ability and avoid feelings of loneliness and fear. A positive outlook and acceptance of pain was acknowledged by many of the women, demonstrating the beneficial implications for coping ability. These findings were consistent despite the socio-economic, cultural and contextual differences observed within the studies suggesting experiences of coping with pain during childbirth are universal. Implications for practice:

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Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: An Acceptance Of Pain During Childbirthmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Women׳s experiences of coping with pain during childbirth: A critical review of qualitative research

Gucht¹,

Lewis²

2015

Midwifery

110

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Interest in and use of self-hypnosis in labour is increasing (Whitburn et al, 2014;Werner et al, 2013;Walker et al, 2009;Wainer, 2001). In a national survey of 23,000 women using maternity services in England in 2013 by the Care Quality Commission, 34% of women planned to use hypnosis, breathing and massage when giving birth (Care Quality Commission, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%