Factors influencing labour and birthing positions in Malawi

Background/aims The World Health Organization encourages women in labour to ambulate and assume upright positions shown to be associated with favourable childbirth outcomes. However, the literature shows that most women in developed and developing countries, including Malawi, give birth in the supine position. There is a lack of research on factors that influence choice of birthing positions among women in Malawi. This study aimed to identify these factors. Methods A face-to-face descriptive survey was conducted on 373 low-risk postnatal women in Malawi. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine association between sociodemographic characteristics and choice of labour and birthing position, as well as to identify predictive factors. Results Walking during labour was significantly associated with age (P=0.018) and monthly family income (P=0.012). During birth, women who had received some degree of education were more likely to use the supine position than those who had not (93% vs 78%; P=0.011). However, women with a higher level of income were less likely to use the supine position than women with low income (82% vs 93%; P=0.005). Conclusions Age, income and education influence Malawian women's choices for labour and birthing position. There is a need for Malawian women to be informed about and encouraged to use different labour and birthing positions, regardless of their socioeconomic and demographic status, to promote positions that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Childbirth education sessions or classes during antenatal care should include information on different birthing positions.

Edukasi Persiapan Persalinan Pada Pasangan Hamil Dalam Menyambut Persalinan Minim Trauma

ABSTRAK Psikologis ibu dalam hal ini kecemasan dapat mempengaruhi kemajuan persalinan. Edukasi persalinan dilakukan untuk mempersiapkan ibu dalam menghadapi persalinan secara fisik dan khususnya persiapan psikologis. Edukasi dianggap cara terbaik dalam mempersiapkan persalinan. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu hamil dan pasangannya di PMB Jeanne Kota Depok. Metode yang digunakan adalah presentasi dan simulasi pada kelas ibu hamil, dilakukan juga variasi kegiatan secara outdoor dan indoor agar penyampaian lebih menarik. Hasil dari kegiatan ini efektif, terlihat antusias peserta dalam mengajukan pertanyaan. Peserta edukasi menyatakan lebih siap dan mengerti dalam menghadapi persalinan. Diharapkan kelas edukasi dapat dilaksanakan secara periodik sehingga lebih banyak lagi pasangan yang teredukasi dan siap menghadapi kehamilan dan persalinan dengan nyaman dan minim trauma. Kata kunci: kehamilan; pendidikan saat hamil; edukasi persalinan ABSTRACT Psychologically, in this case, anxiety can affect the progress of labor. Childbirth education is carried out to prepare mothers for physical delivery and especially psychological preparation. Education is considered the best way to prepare for labor. This activity aims to increase knowledge of pregnant couples at PMB Jeanne Depok City. The methods used are presentations and class simulations for pregnant women, as well as a variety of outdoor and indoor activities so that the delivery was more interesting. The results of this activity were effective, it was seen that the participants were enthusiastic in asking questions. Educational participants were more prepared and understanding in dealing with childbirth. It is hoped that education classes can be carried out periodically so that more couples are educated and ready to face pregnancy and childbirth comfortably and with minimal trauma. Keywords: pregnancy; education during pregnancy; childbirth education