The influence of antenatal relaxation classes on perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that antenatal education incorporating relaxation practices can positively influence perinatal psychological wellbeing. However, a paucity of qualitative research is evident. Gaining insight into how and why such education may influence childbearing women, can inform the design of effective educational interventions. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of women and their partners on how and why a single Antenatal Relaxation Class (ARC) might influence perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences. METHOD: In this descriptive qualitative study, 17 women and 9 partners participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study was carried out in a Scottish NHS Health Board where ARC was provided to expectant parents. FINDINGS: Two themes were generated, namely: 'the turning point', and 'recognition of an inner resource'. Participants perceived ARC as 'the turning point' when they became more confident, equipped, and less fearful and anxious towards childbirth. 'Understanding of the psychophysiological processes of childbirth', 'positive stories', and 'practice of relaxation techniques' were reported as the main reasons for these positive changes. Participants explained ARC had enabled them to access a deep sense of calmness as 'an inner resource' and motivated the use of relaxation techniques as a self-care behaviour throughout pregnancy and childbirth. CONCLUSION: A single antenatal relaxation class has the potential to enhance perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences. This study provides valuable insights for maternity services seeking to develop effective health-promoting antenatal education.

'Doing' is never enough, if 'being' is neglected. Exploring midwives' perspectives on the influence of an emotional intelligence education programme, a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The role of the midwife is emotionally demanding with many midwives experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, and a great number considering leaving the profession. This has serious implications for the delivery of high-quality, safe maternity care. One of the major factors leading to job dissatisfaction is the conflict between midwives' aspiration of truly 'being' with the woman and the institutional expectations of the role which focuses on the 'doing' aspects of the job. 'Being' present to a woman's psychological needs, whilst meeting the institutional demands, requires high levels of emotional intelligence (EI) in the midwife. Therefore, enhancing midwives' EI could be beneficial. EI EDUCATION PROGRAMME: An EI programme was made available to midwives with the intention to promote their emotional intelligence and enable them to utilise relaxation techniques for those in their care. AIM: To explore midwives' perspectives on the influence of the EI education programme on their emotional wellbeing and experiences of practice. METHOD: The study took a descriptive qualitative approach. Thirteen midwives participated in focus group interviews. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: The overarching theme of 'The Ripple Effect' included three themes of 'Me and my relationships', 'A different approach to practice' and 'Confidence and empowerment'. The programme was seen to create a positive ripple effect, influencing midwives personally, their approach to practice, and feelings of confidence in their role. CONCLUSION: EI education can reduce emotional stress in midwives, enhance their empathy and feelings of confidence, thus, improving the quality of care they provide.

Expectant parents' perspectives on the influence of a single antenatal relaxation class: A qualitative study.

AIM: This study explores the perspectives of expectant parents on the influence of a single antenatal class incorporating education on childbirth physiology and relaxation techniques. METHOD: The data for this qualitative descriptive study were collected via in-depth interviews with six women and three birth partners. FINDINGS: An enhanced understanding of childbirth physiology formed a 'different way of thinking' about childbirth, 'inspired and motivated' the exertion of the learnt relaxation techniques which led to a 'deepsense of calmness' associated with increased confidence and reduced fear. However, reaching such sense of calmness during childbirth required a 'space for relaxation' which was influenced by birth attendants. An overarching theme of 'a positive outlook' towards childbirth was identified. CONCLUSION: Including education on childbirth physiology and a range of relaxation techniques may reduce fear, empower prospective parents and positively influence their experiences of pregnancy and childbirth.

Service Evaluation of Relaxation Workshops for Pregnant Women.

This article reports a service evaluation of "antenatal education on physiology of childbirth and relaxation." A service evaluation was carried out during group class discussion, immediately after the workshops, and following birth. Identified themes in the collected data were (a) my own relaxation, (b) confident, and not afraid, (c) proud of myself, (d) unexpected and feeling in control, and (e) support. Overall, women creatively customized the learned skills and reported feelings of pride and confidence. They reported feeling able to apply relaxation techniques when unexpected situations arise. Support and encouragement from partners and midwives were also valued by women. The evaluation demonstrates the efficacy of designing antenatal education that includes education on physiology of normal birth and relaxation training.

An interview study of pregnant women who were provided with indoor air quality measurements of second hand smoke to help them quit smoking.

BACKGROUND: Maternal smoking can cause health complications in pregnancy. Particulate matter (PM2.5) metrics applied to second hand smoke (SHS) concentrations provide indoor air quality (IAQ) measurements and have been used to promote smoking behaviour change among parents of young children. Here, we present the qualitative results from a study designed to use IAQ measurements to help pregnant women who smoke to quit smoking. METHODS: We used IAQ measurements in two centres (Aberdeen and Coventry) using two interventions: 1. In Aberdeen, women made IAQ measurements in their homes following routine ultrasound scan; 2. In Coventry, IAQ measurements were added to a home-based Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Service. All women were invited to give a qualitative interview to explore acceptability and feasibility of IAQ measurements to help with smoking cessation. A case study approach using grounded theory was applied to develop a typology of pregnant women who smoke. RESULTS: There were 39 women recruited (18 in Aberdeen and 21 in Coventry) and qualitative interviews were undertaken with nine of those women. Diverse accounts of smoking behaviours and experiences of participation were given. Many women reported changes to their smoking behaviours during pregnancy. Most women wanted to make further changes to their own behaviour, but could not commit or felt constrained by living with a partner or family members who smoked. Others could not envisage quitting. Using themes emerging from the interviews, we constructed a typology where women were classified as follows: 'champions for change'; 'keen, but not committed'; and 'can't quit, won't quit'. Three women reported quitting smoking alongside participation in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women who smoke remain hard to engage,. Although providing IAQ measurements does not obviously improve quit rates, it can support changes in smoking behaviour in/around the home for some individuals. Our typology might offer a useful assessment tool for midwives.