Normal Birth
research
Do women’s ideas of ‘normal’ birth match those held by professionals?
Abstract
Aim: To explore the definitions of normal birth held by women who have not given birth, what influences that perspective, and compare it with those of health professionals. Background: Available evidence provides conflicting definitions of normal childbirth. The majority of available evidence encapsulates the views of the health professionals themselves or women who have experienced childbirth. Little evidence exists that reflects the views of women yet to experience childbirth. Method: Six participants were identified via purposive sampling to undertake a small exploratory qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: The definition of normal birth is individual and complex. The absence of complications and use of interventions influenced this definition, which in part agrees with health professionals’ current definitions. Birth was perceived as a scary prospect; a view largely constructed from negative stories from friends and family. Conclusions: The findings suggest that working within the confines of a definition of ‘normal’ childbirth is far from straightforward. It highlights a need to encourage women to view birth more positively. Expanding this research further would explore these issues in more detail, providing more conclusive evidence to support practice. thinking to happen, both parties need to agree on what a ‘normal’ birth actually is. With these thoughts in mind, this research study set out to explore the understanding of normal birth held by women who have yet to experience birth, what influenced that understanding, and how closely their responses matched the range of definitions and ideas held by health professionals.
Background
Childbirth is multidimensional and requires a definition that covers all aspects (Downe, 2006). However, differences of meaning are in use by various
Do women’s ideas of ‘normal’ birth match those held by professionals?
Abstract
Aim: To explore the definitions of normal birth held by women who have not given birth, what influences that perspective, and compare it with those of health professionals. Background: Available evidence provides conflicting definitions of normal childbirth. The majority of available evidence encapsulates the views of the health professionals themselves or women who have experienced childbirth. Little evidence exists that reflects the views of women yet to experience childbirth. Method: Six participants were identified via purposive sampling to undertake a small exploratory qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: The definition of normal birth is individual and complex. The absence of complications and use of interventions influenced this definition, which in part agrees with health professionals’ current definitions. Birth was perceived as a scary prospect; a view largely constructed from negative stories from friends and family. Conclusions: The findings suggest that working within the confines of a definition of ‘normal’ childbirth is far from straightforward. It highlights a need to encourage women to view birth more positively. Expanding this research further would explore these issues in more detail, providing more conclusive evidence to support practice. thinking to happen, both parties need to agree on what a ‘normal’ birth actually is. With these thoughts in mind, this research study set out to explore the understanding of normal birth held by women who have yet to experience birth, what influenced that understanding, and how closely their responses matched the range of definitions and ideas held by health professionals.
Background
Childbirth is multidimensional and requires a definition that covers all aspects (Downe, 2006). However, differences of meaning are in use by various