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Reproductive Health
Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Experiences and perceptions of Ghanaian midwives on labour pain and religious beliefs and practices influencing their care of women in labour

Authors: Lydia Aziato, Hannah Antwi Ohemeng, Cephas N. Omenyo

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Beliefs surrounding pain during childbirth has biblical foundations that contribute to labour pain being viewed as a natural phenomenon. Contemporary health care promotes evidence-based labour pain management but the faith of the midwife may influence her midwifery practice regarding labour pain management. Therefore this study sought to gain in-depth insight into the experiences and perceptions of midwives regarding labour pain and the religious beliefs and practices influencing their care of women in labour in Ghana.

Methods

The design of the study was an interpretive phenomenology using individual in-depth interviews. The study participants were 27 Ghanaian female midwives of various religious backgrounds. Interviews were conducted in English, audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi’s qualitative analysis procedures were employed concurrently with data collection.

Results

Three major themes were generated: religious beliefs about labour pain, religious practices in labour and religious artefacts used in labour. The midwives’ faith and their experiences during their midwifery practice were inter-connected. The midwives believed labour pain was natural and religious practices are important to prevent complications. Religious artefacts used in labour included anointing oil and water, necklaces, rubber bands, bracelets, stickers and beads.

Conclusion

It is important that midwives provide an enabling environment for women in labour to practice their faith and they should employ context-appropriate strategies to effectively manage labour pain that takes into account the religious beliefs and practices of women.
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Metadata
Title
Experiences and perceptions of Ghanaian midwives on labour pain and religious beliefs and practices influencing their care of women in labour
Authors
Lydia Aziato
Hannah Antwi Ohemeng
Cephas N. Omenyo
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-016-0252-7

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