Journey to confidence: women's experiences of pain in labour and relational continuity of care.

INTRODUCTION: An evaluation carried out at King's College Hospital Foundation National Health Service Trust in London identified that women who received continuity of carer from the Albany Midwifery Practice were significantly less likely to use pharmacological pain relief when comparisons were made with eight other midwifery group practices and the local maternity service as a whole. This study was designed to explore women's views of this phenomenon. METHODS: We conducted a thematic analysis of semistructured, audiotaped, in-depth interviews with 10 women who reflected on their experiences of preparation and support for pain in labour and midwifery continuity of carer with Albany midwives, using a qualitative descriptive methodological approach. RESULTS: Women reflected positively on how, throughout pregnancy and labour, their midwives promoted a sense of their ability to cope with the challenge of labour pain. This building of confidence was enabled through a relationship of trust that developed with their midwives and the value of hearing other women's stories during antenatal groups. These experiences enhanced women's ability to overcome fears and self-doubt about coping with pain and led to feelings of pride, elation, and empowerment after birth. DISCUSSION: Women valued being encouraged and supported to labour without using pharmacological pain relief by midwives with whom they developed a trusting relationship throughout pregnancy. Features of midwifery approaches to pain in labour and relational continuity of care have important implications for promoting normal birth and a positive experience of pregnancy, labour, and birth for women.

Estimating blood loss after birth: using simulated clinical examples.

AIM: To determine the accuracy of the estimation of blood loss using simulated clinical examples. SETTING: Over 100 attendees came together at a seminar about postpartum haemorrhage in June 2006. Five blood loss assessment stations were constructed, each containing a simulated clinical example. Each station was numbered and was made up of a variety of equipment used in birthing suites. Over 5L of 'artificial' blood was made. The artificial blood was similar to the colour and consistency of real blood. SAMPLE: A convenience sample of 88 participants was given a response sheet and asked to estimate blood loss at each station. Participants included midwives, student midwives and an obstetrician. RESULTS: Blood in a container (bedpan, kidney dish) was more accurately estimated than blood on sanitary pads, sheets or clothing. Lower volumes of blood were also estimated correctly by more participants than the higher volumes. DISCUSSION: Improvements are still needed in visual estimation of blood loss following childbirth. Education programs may increase the level of accuracy. CONCLUSION: We encourage other clinicians and educators to embark upon a similar exercise to assist midwives and others to improve their visual estimation of blood loss after birth. Accurate estimations can ensure that women who experience significant blood loss can receive appropriate care and the published rates of postpartum haemorrhage are correct.