The experiences of primigravida women in labour with specific references to nursing care in the Onandjokwe and Oshakati hospitals in the North-West Health Directorate of Namibia

Abstract

Executive summary provided by author:

The following research objectives were formulated: (a) To study the literature on this topic (b) To explore and describe the experiences of primigravida women during labor (c) To give feedback to the relevant stakeholders and to strengthen the necessary support during Midwifery training in Namibia

The research question asked was: " Can you tell me about your experiences during labor?". A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used to answer the research question. Interviews were conducted to collect data among the 12 selected primigravida women after delivery in the two big hospitals in the North -West Health Directorate, that is Oshakati- and Onandjokwe hospitals

The method of selection used was purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted after obtaining the necessary permission from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and informed consent from the research participants

The data was analyzed, using Tesch's guidelines for content analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured by application of the principles like credibility, triangulation, transferability, dependability and confirmability (Wheeler & Holloway, 1996:163)

Four main themes emerged in accordance with the experiences of primigravida women with specific reference to nursing care given during labor in the two big hospitals in the North- West Region of Namibia. Positive and negative experiences were identified or emerged from the results namely the nursing care given by midwives during labor, interpersonal communication, motherhood experiences and breastfeeding

The birth experiences from the women's perspective can be very useful to the midwifery care in labor departments, and thus improve in general the supportive care by midwives for women during labor

Recommendations were made focusing on the continuous strengthening; monitoring and evaluating midwifery care during labor, nursing educational programs and the need for more research on midwifery issues