. Mina Iravani; . Elahe Zarean; . Mohsen Janghorbani; . Masod Bahrami
Volume 5, Issue 1 , February 2015, , Pages 1-7
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy and birth are unique processes for women. Women and familieshold different expectation during childbearing based on their knowledge, experiences, beliefsystems, ...
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Background: Pregnancy and birth are unique processes for women. Women and familieshold different expectation during childbearing based on their knowledge, experiences, beliefsystems, culture, and social and family backgrounds. These differences should be understoodand respected, and care is adapted and organized to meet the individualized needs of womenand families. The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian parturient needs, values andpreferences during normal labor and delivery. Materials and Methods: An exploratoryqualitative study was used. Twenty‑four parturient women from three governmental medicaltraining centers in Isfahan, Iran were recruited using purposive sampling. Participants wererecruited to low‑risk women after they had given birth, but before they were discharged fromhospital. Data were collected through semi‑structured in‑depth interviews, informal observationsand field notes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by the conventional contentanalysis according to Graneheim and Lundman approach. Results: Women’s needs andexpectations fell into seven main categories: Physiological, psychological, informational, socialand relational, esteem, security and medical needs. All of the key needs in these data relates toa fundamental need, named “sense of control and empowerment in childbirth.” Conclusion:Knowing a woman’s needs, values, preferences and expectations during normal labor anddelivery assists healthcare professionals especially midwives in providing high‑quality care toparturient women.