Labour and birth in water: women’s narratives (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How are women’s stories of labour and birth in water constructed to reflect meaningful experiences of the journey into motherhood?
IRAS ID
153853
Contact name
Claire Clews
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Northampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 23 days
Research summary
Why?
The research question that will be addressed as part of this study is: How are women’s stories of labour and birth in water constructed to reflect meaningful experiences of the journey into motherhood?The question has relevance to the public because of the importance placed on a womans right to choose the way they give birth to their babies. There is a history of evidence (Hallgren et al, 1995 and Berg et al, 1996) which suggests that if women exercise choice during pregnancy and childbirth there is a direct relationship between quality of care and improved outcomes for women and newborns.
What?
The area of study is women's experiences of water during labour and birth when using a birthing pool in a midwifery led unit.Who?
Women who would be eligible to participate in this study includes:Women who labour and give birth in the local NHS Trust maternity unit using a birthing pool
First time mothers
Women without any immediate complications following birth for example heavy bleeding
Women whose neonates had an initial assessment (Apgar) scores above 7 (maximum score = 10) at 5 minutes after birth
Women whose babies were not subsequently admitted to Special Care Baby Unit or Neonatal Unit following birth.
Women who speak English
Where?
This will be a single center study conducted in one local NHS Trust midwifery led birthing unit.
How?
The study will be completed in 2015/16 and will involve participants undertaking a single, digitally recorded, face-to-face interview, any time before their baby reaches six months of age. The interviews will last up to a maximum of 90 minutes (one and a half hours) in length; participants will be asked about their experience of giving birth in water.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0068
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion