Abstract
M.Cur.
Women approach the experience of childbirth from their own frame
of reference, expectations and the types of experiences which
they encountered during their lifetime. Although much is done
to prepare women for childbirth and motherhood, little
information is obtained about the mother's experience of
childbirth during the intra partum period, regardless of
delivering naturally or with the administering of epidural
anaesthesia.
with this research it was endeavoured to gain more knowledge
about the experiences of women during childbirth. The midwife
can use this knowledge to have better insight in the needs of
these women to ensure a better quality of patient care.
A qualitative study was undertaken. The phenomenological method
(the autobiographical method) was used, within the context of a
private hospital on the West Rand.
During March to April 1990 unstructured (non formative)
interviews were conducted with 10 primigravidas that delivered
vaginally. Five of the 10 women made use of epidural
anaesthesia.
A study of the literature was done to determine what the experts
have already ascertained about this phenomenon. Themes were
selected from the literature and the women's experiences were
accordingly grouped.
of this research, it appears that the
who have delivered by means of epidural
from those who delivered naturally.
were identified where women had the same
From the findings
experiences of women
anaesthesia, differ
Universal experiences
type of delivery.
Recommendations were made on how the midwife can contribute to
fulfil in the identified needs of the woman in labour.