Midwives’ views of labour pain management

Abstract

Labour pain and ways to relieve it are a major concern for women and their partners, as well as the midwives collaborating in their care (Klomp, Jonge, Hutton, Hers & Lagro-Janssen, 2016). Little is known about local midwives’ views on managing labour pain. The aim of the study was to explore midwives’ views on labour pain management, by seeking to identify the methods of labour pain relief offered locally together with the midwives’ views on pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain relief. Information-giving by the midwife prior to administration of pain relief was also explored. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was carried out to fulfill the proposed aims and objectives. Six midwives working within the delivery suite of the local general hospital were recruited by convenience sampling and a 100% response rate was achieved. The collected data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. The findings demonstrated that midwives offer both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, with the majority of midwives providing women under their care with unbiased information on pain relieving methods. Findings also showed that midwives were knowledgeable about the side effects caused by pharmacological methods of pain relief. Lack of resources for non-pharmacological approaches to pain relief were also identified. Labour pain management depends on several factors including time constraints and work load, altered perception of pain among society, onset and progress of labour, as well as types of maternity care. Recommendations for practice, education and future research were also proposed, such as the need for the introduction of midwifery-led care and continuity of care.