International Journal of Nursing Education

Eva Chris Karkada ¹, Judith Angelitta Noronha ², Sonia R.B. D’souza ³

Affiliations
1 Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal University, Mangalore, IN
2 Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Sultan Qaboos College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, OM
3 Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal University, Manipal, IN

Abstract

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of childbirth preparation class in terms of behavioural responses during first stage of labour and outcome of labour in terms of maternal and neonatal outcome, among primigravid women in selected hospitals of Udupi district, Karnataka.

Methods

An evaluative approach using a quasi experimental non equivalent group post test only design was used. The test group consisted of 60 healthy primigravidas of whom 30 participated in the childbirth preparation class and another 30 made up the control group. The effectiveness was assessed by means of Student's 't' test and Chi-square test.

Results

Statistically significant differences between the groups were found in behavioural responses in first stage of labour, nature of delivery and neonatal outcome. Statistically significant differences in duration of labour were not observed.

Conclusion

Childbirth preparation class for pregnant women focuses on preventive and promotive care and creates a childbirth experience that is safer, positive and satisfying for the childbearing women.

Keywords

Childbirth Preparation Class, Primigravid Women, Behavioural Responses in Labour, Outcome of Labour.

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Eva Chris Karkada ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal University, Mangalore, IN

Abstract

"Having a baby marks not just the creation of an individual life, but the birth of a family." For thousands of years pregnancy, labour and delivery was considered as women's cup of soup. Women were kept informed about childbirth and baby care skills and acquiring this knowledge from mothers and grandmothers was a part of the socialization of young girls. Childbirth was seen as a normal event and babies were born at home, under the care of women, such as the local midwife, neighbours and other elderly women of the family. Childbirth is something more than just a birth of a baby. It is also the birth of a woman and a mother; the birth of a man and a father; the birth of a relationship that will never, ever be the same. Every birth is unique, and each is a life experience, one that should be shared by husband and wife, mother and father, as they grow not only a baby, but also a family. With the growing need for family-centered care, involvement of prospective fathers in midwifery is extremely important for maximizing the life-long well-being and outcomes of the mother and the baby. Pregnancy and birth are the first major opportunities to engage fathers in appropriate care and upbringing of children.

Keywords

Family Centered Care, Expectant Fathers, Maternal Care, Newborn Care.

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Eva Chris Karkada ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal University, Mangalore, IN

Abstract

Several methods have been used for improving the quality of maternity and newborn care. Almost all of these methods have their origin in evidence-based practice to apply the best evidence in clinical care. Evidence- based practice is simply the integration of the best available research-based evidence, clinical expertise, and patient needs, values and preferences to develop a system of quality care. Quality improvements thus require professional consensus about implementation of research-based clinical evidence, and attention to patient needs, values and preferences. Although evidence-based practice has been recognized as necessary for quality care in developed countries, it has often been conceptualized in terms of research-based clinical evidence and less attention has been paid to patient needs and preferences. Patient satisfaction has indeed been recognised as an important outcome measure for the quality of health care. Furthermore identifying patient needs and requirements has been judged essential for both measuring and improving quality of care.

Keywords

Evidence Based Practice, Maternity Care, Maternity Nurse.

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