Midwives' Views and Practices on Non-pharmacological Methods Used to Relieve Labor Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study from...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Midwifery Practice
• Pain Management

Background:

• Labor pain is a significant challenge in childbirth.
• Non-pharmacological methods are recognized for their effectiveness in pain relief during labor.
• Midwives play a crucial role in implementing these methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess midwives' opinions on non-pharmacological pain relief methods during labor.
• To understand how midwives implement these non-pharmacological pain relief techniques.
• To identify factors influencing the use of non-pharmacological pain relief in delivery rooms.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed.
• The study included 151 volunteer midwives from public hospitals in Izmir, Türkiye.
• Data were collected from midwives meeting specific inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• 80.1% of midwives believed non-pharmacological methods should be used during labor.
• A significant association was found between working in mother-friendly hospitals and opinions on pharmacological methods (p<0.05).
• A negative correlation existed between years of service and awareness of non-pharmacological methods (r=-0.198, p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Midwives acknowledge the necessity of non-pharmacological pain relief during labor.
• Institutional support and specific training significantly impact the application of these methods.
• Further training and supportive hospital environments are crucial for enhancing non-pharmacological pain relief practices.