Midwife-led integrated pre-birth training and its impact on the fear of childbirth. A qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND

Although most expectant women with severe fear of childbirth take pre-birth training sessions, the available literature does not provide substantial emphirical data on its impacts, especially in developing countries like Kenya.

AIM

The study aimed at exploring women's experience from midwife-led integrated pre-birth training and its impact on the fear of childbirth.

METHOD

A qualitative interview was conducted using a thematic analysis. Thirty-three women who had experienced high and severe fear of childbirth, and had completed midwife-led integrated pre-birth training were interviewed one month after giving birth. The interviews were conducted in a maternal and child health clinic in Samburu, Kenya from December 2019 to January 2020. Collected data was analysed based on thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The general theme 'midwife-led integrated pre-birth training promoted constructive disposition and enhanced trust in the process of giving birth' was validated by the interviewed participants. Their contributions covered three themes: 'the significance of midwife-led pre-birth training', 'the role of efficient communication during pregnancy,' and 'adaptation to procedures for improved childbirth experience'.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study 85% (n = 29) of the participants revealed that midwife-led integrated pre-birth training enhanced their expectations for birth processes. They demonstrated readiness and preparedness for this process, which would lead to improved childbirth outcomes.