Objective: Fear of childbirth is a well-known problem affecting women's wellbeing and health. The prevalence of intense fear varies across countries from 4.8 to 14.8%. During the past 25 years in Sweden women with intense fear of childbirth have been offered counselling at specialised clinics staffed by midwives. Although the counselling demonstrates positive results, the training, education, supervision and organisation differ between clinics. It is still unclear which approaches and practices are the most beneficial. The aim was to explore and describe the counselling of women with intense fear of childbirth from the viewpoint of midwives who provide counselling in specialised fear of childbirth clinics in one region of Sweden.
Methods: A qualitative study of 13 midwives using focus group interviews and inductive content analysis.
Results: The midwives' counselling of women with intense fear of childbirth is described as 'striving to create a safe place for exploring fear of childbirth', comprising the following categories: Providing a reliable relationship; Investigating previous and present fears; and A strong dedication to the women.
Conclusion: Although there are no guidelines for the counselling the midwives described similar frameworks. Some approaches were general, while others were specific and related to the individual woman's parity. The midwives achieved professional and personal development through counselling experiences. The findings add to the existing literature on counselling and can be used to inform the development of midwife-led interventions for women with intense fear of childbirth and previous traumatic births, as well as for the formal education of midwives.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2018.12.001 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Influence of instrument choice on fear of childbirth after assisted vaginal delivery: A secondary analysis of the Bergen birth study.
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand
March 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Introduction: Assisted vaginal delivery has been associated with a negative childbirth experience and the development of secondary fear of childbirth, although it is less consistent than emergency Cesarean delivery. Whether the choice of instrument influences this, and the woman's preference for delivery mode in a potential subsequent pregnancy, is unknown. Our objective was to assess the association between the choice of instrument during assisted vaginal delivery, secondary fear of childbirth, and preference for an elective Cesarean delivery in a potential subsequent pregnancy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDeterminants of institutional delivery service utilization among internally displaced vulnerable populations in Benadir region, Somalia: A community based cross-sectional study.
J Migr Health
February 2025
SOS College of Health Science, SOS Children's Villages, Somalia.
Background: Every day, nearly 830 women succumb to preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related complications, with 99 % of maternal deaths occurring in developing nations. Maternal mortality is disproportionately higher among women in rural areas and impoverished communities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 85 % of cases are concentrated. In Somalia, a country grappling with prolonged conflicts and a healthcare system in disarray, maternal mortality remains alarmingly high at 692 per 100,000 live births.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Effect of Music Recital on Labor Anxiety and Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Study.
J Eval Clin Pract
March 2025
Midwifery Department, Health Science Faculty, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey.
Background: Music as a distraction is used in various areas of obstetrics and gynecology to reduce fear, pain and anxiety.
Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of music recital on labor anxiety and satisfaction.
Methods: The study was conducted in a hospital between June 12 and November 30, 2019.
Women's desire to have a midwife they know during labor and birth has increased significantly over time.
J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol
December 2025
Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Background: In Sweden, women often meet with different midwives during antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, due to the structure of maternity care, with few alternatives which provide continuity. This study aims to explore women's interest in having a midwife they know present during labor and birth and to identify the characteristics of women who prefer this option.
Methods: A comparative study was conducted involving two Swedish nationwide cohorts of Swedish-speaking pregnant women.
Survivors of Placenta Accreta: What Their Blogs Can Tell Us.
J Perinat Educ
March 2025
School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, USA.
Prior cesarean birth is the most significant predictor of placenta accreta which can place the woman and her infant's lives at risk. With the continuing increase in cesarean birth rate, it is essential that childbirth educators inform women of this life-threatening risk. Insightful information from blogs written by survivors of placenta accreta pregnancies can help guide clinical practice and childbirth education.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!