Abstract

MAPUTLE, MS  and  NOLTE, A. Mothers' experiences of labour in a tertiary care hospital. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2008, vol.13, n.1, pp.55-62. ISSN 2071-9736.

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe experiences of mothers during childbirth in a tertiary hospital in the Limpopo Province. This was achieved through a qualitative research study which was exploratory, descriptive, contextual and inductive in nature. A sample of 24 mothers participated in this study. Data obtained from unstructured in-depth interviews were analysed according to the protocol by Tesch (1990, cited in Cresswell, 1994:155). Five themes were identified, namely mutual participation and responsibility sharing, dependency and decision-making; information sharing and empowering autonomy and informed choices; open communication and listening; accommodative/non-accommodative midwifery actions; and maximising human and material infrastructure. The themes indicated experiences that foster or promote dependency on midwifery care. Guidelines on how to transform this dependency into a mother-centered care approach during childbirth are provided.

Keywords : experience of labour; accommodative midwifery actions; maximise human and material infrastructure; midwife; South Africa.

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