FINAL BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 2019

School of Nursing and Midwifery Scoil an Altranais agus an Chnáimhseachais

Redefining the concept of Humanisation in pregnancy and Childbirth – a concept for all women.

Author(s)

Mary Curtin

Affiliation(s) UCC Abstract

Background: Humanisation in pregnancy and childbirth has historically been considered in contrast to the biomedical model and has therefore in the sphere of low risk and non- medicalised birth. Regardless of medical need, all women are entitled to safe, evidence based and humanised care. Aim: To clarify the concept of humanised care during pregnancy and childbirth Methods: Concept analysis using Walker and Avant’s eight step method. Results: Humanised care encompasses the attitudes and behaviours of healthcare professionals in clinical practice. This model of care can be broad in scope to include all women regardless of their medical or psychological need and/or their risk status. Pregnant women, midwives and obstetricians consider humanised care to be in concordance with the biomedical model. Conclusion: The physical outcome of pregnancy should not be considered in isolation or above the holistic care of the woman. Both pregnant women and healthcare professionals need to be up informed on the rights of women in pregnancy and childbirth. Women need the support and facilitation of relevant midwifery and obstetric health care professionals to work in partnership with them to ensure a safe and positive birth experience. Midwives perceptions and experiences of caring for women's emotional/mental well-being in the antenatal period Author(s) Antoinette Fletcher (Midwifery Tutor) and Dr Patricia Leahy-Warren (Senior Lecturer, University College Cork Affiliation(s) Centre for Midwifery Education, Located at Coombe Hospital Abstract Background: Pregnancy and childbirth is a life changing transition for women, and can be a time when emotional difficulties may occur. Approximately 15-25% of women will experience a Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) problem which can have serious consequences for women and their families if not identified and treated appropriately. Midwives are in a key position to provide psychological support to mothers throughout their perinatal journey, as identified in the 2016 Irish national maternity strategy. However, there is a paucity of qualitative research exploring midwives’ experiences of caring for women’s emotional health throughout pregnancy, therefore this study addressed this gap in the literature. Aim: To explore midwives’ perceptions and experiences of caring for women’s emotional/mental well-being during pregnancy. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study design was undertaken with midwives (n=10), using one-to-one semi-structured interviews after ethical approval was granted. Data

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