The Perspective of Midwives on Birth Companions During Delivery in Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality

Abstract

Background: Birth companion use has been recommended by the World Health Organization and previous research done has revealed that, expectant mothers will like to have the presence of a birth companion during their birthing process as a form of support. Given the anxiety that first time labor and delivery experiences create in women, labor and delivery experiences rank among the most important events in a woman's life. Primigravid women require practical assistance, company, and compassion because they have little to no knowledge of the labor and delivery process. Family and friend assistance may help to fulfill the first-time mother's laboring demands that the healthcare professional may not be able to solve, promoting a happy delivery experience for primiparous woman. This study was to explore the views of midwives on birth companion during delivery since clients prefer to have them. The study looked at their knowledge, perceived benefits, barriers to birth companion use and the facility practice of birth companion. Aim- This study sought to explore the perspectives of midwives on birth companion; assess their knowledge, benefits, barriers and facility practice of birth companion during labour and delivery. Methodology: Qualitative exploratory design was employed for this study. Participants who met the inclusion criteria for the study were purposively selected. The study population was practicing midwives of the Nsawam Government Hospital who are currently at post. An interview guide was administered for data collection after consent form filled. Participant socio-demographic data was taken, knowledge on birth companion, benefits of birth companion, barriers to birth companion use and facility practice of birth companion. A total of 20 midwives participated in the study. Data was then analyzed using MAXQDA analysis software to thematically analyze the data. Results: The participants were mainly staff midwives (50%), Diploma holders (90%) with less than 5years working experience (50%). Majority of them were Christians (90%) and married (65%). Their ages ranges from 26 to 42 years with most of them between the ages of 30-39 (55%). All the midwives understood what birth companionship is and understood roles such as provision of emotional, psychological, financial and physical support during labour. Majority of the midwives mentioned that preferred birth companion for labouring women were their mothers. To the midwives, presence of birth companions made their work easy since they assist and provide essential items they require and on time. Lack of holistic national policies on birth companionship, lack of education and lack of space at the health facilities are some of the setbacks to birth companionships from the study. Conclusion: All the midwives from the study were desirous of birth companions and recommend its implementation in various health facilities.