Authors (including presenting author) :
Shiu WY, Ho L, Siu LK, Leung SK, Wan OM, Chung WH, Cheng OL
Affiliation :
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
For expectant parents, the birthing process and subsequent baby care can be both exciting and challenging. Educational interventions have a role in increasing feelings of self-confidence and control in childbirth. Instead of traditional classroom prenatal class, by having the chance to experience different birth positions, complementary and alternative strategies to cope with labour pain, hands-on practice on breastfeeding and baby bathing, the confidence of expectant parents in natural birth and infant care could be enhanced significantly.
Objectives :
(1)To introduce and promote the concept of natural birth and the use of alternative method to cope with labor pain. (2)To evaluate the effect of the Natural Birth Tour on expectant parents’ confidence in natural birth, breastfeeding and infant care.
Methodology :
Couples planning a vaginal delivery were invited to join the natural birth tour after 35weeks of pregnancy. Data were collected from Jun to Nov 2022. Pre and post questionnaire were given to evaluate the couples’ perceptions of natural birth, breastfeeding and infant care. Natural Birth Tour included both educational and experiential components. The idea of natural birth was explained, as well as how to manage labour pain and get ready for delivery. Different delivery positions as well as various complementary and alternative strategies to cope with labour pain were introduced and experienced by the expectant parents, namely birth massage, birth ball, TENS, VR machine, different upright position, practicing deep breathing exercise, music and hot pad. Hands-on technique on breastfeeding, and baby bathing were demonstrated and practiced with a doll.
Result & Outcome :
Total 66 women attended Natural Birth Tour, 55 of them came with husband. Sixty-four of the women are expecting their first child. A paired sample t-test revealed that both the women's and their husbands' confidence in natural childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care significantly increased following the tour (p<0.0001) Couples expressed great satisfaction with the tour. The women's satisfaction was rated on average at 9.33 out of 10, while the husband's was at 9.27. Natural Birth Tour place more of an emphasis on hands-on experience on natural birth than they do on traditional classroom prenatal classes. It significantly enhanced couples’ confidence in natural birth, breastfeeding and infant care. The expectant parents showed appreciation and happy to join the class & all of the couples thought the class was practical and helpful to the pregnancy journey.
