Exploring perceptions of instructors about childbirth preparation training courses: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Education
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Childbirth preparation courses aim to improve maternal and neonatal health.
• These courses enhance pregnant women's awareness, capability in managing labor pain, and overcoming fear and anxiety.
• Effective courses contribute to better preparedness for parenting and breastfeeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors affecting childbirth preparation courses.
• To determine barriers to these courses from instructors' perspectives.
• To understand instructor-identified facilitators for successful course implementation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative content analysis study.
• Conducted with 16 certified instructors of childbirth preparation courses in Hamadan.
• Data collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA10.

Main Results:

• Key course objectives include improving maternal/newborn health, promoting natural childbirth, and preparing for parenting/breastfeeding.
• Facilitators for successful implementation involve educational standards, strong mother-staff communication, and instructor role.
• Major barriers include inadequate management support, poor inter-sectoral collaboration, negative obstetrician attitudes, and theory-practice gaps.

Conclusions:

• Multiple factors influence pregnant women's participation in antenatal classes.
• Promoting natural childbirth necessitates collaboration across and within sectors, alongside community engagement.
• Addressing identified barriers is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of childbirth preparation programs.