Abstract
Background
Birth plans are written preferences for labor and birth which women prepare in advance. Most studies have examined them as a novel intervention or “outside” formal care provision. This study considered use of a standard birth plan section within a national, woman-held maternity record.
Methods
Exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted with women (42) and maternity service staff (24) in northeast Scotland. Data were analyzed thematically.
Results
Staff and women were generally positive about the provision of the birth plan section within the record. Perceived benefits included the opportunity to highlight preferences, enhance communication, stimulate discussions, and address anxieties. However, not all women experienced these benefits or understood the birth plan's purpose. Some were unaware of the opportunity to complete it or could not access the support they needed from staff to discuss or be confident about their options. Some were reluctant to plan too much. Staff recognized the need to support women with birth plan completion but noted practical challenges to this.
Conclusions
A supportive antenatal opportunity to allow discussion of options may be needed to realize the potential benefits of routine inclusion of birth plans in maternity notes.
Birth plans are written preferences for labor and birth which women prepare in advance. Most studies have examined them as a novel intervention or “outside” formal care provision. This study considered use of a standard birth plan section within a national, woman-held maternity record.
Methods
Exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted with women (42) and maternity service staff (24) in northeast Scotland. Data were analyzed thematically.
Results
Staff and women were generally positive about the provision of the birth plan section within the record. Perceived benefits included the opportunity to highlight preferences, enhance communication, stimulate discussions, and address anxieties. However, not all women experienced these benefits or understood the birth plan's purpose. Some were unaware of the opportunity to complete it or could not access the support they needed from staff to discuss or be confident about their options. Some were reluctant to plan too much. Staff recognized the need to support women with birth plan completion but noted practical challenges to this.
Conclusions
A supportive antenatal opportunity to allow discussion of options may be needed to realize the potential benefits of routine inclusion of birth plans in maternity notes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 283-289 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 21 Apr 2014 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2014 |
Bibliographical note
© 2014, Copyright the Authors, Journal compilation © 2014, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Funded by
CSO. Grant Number: CZH/4/527
Keywords
- birth plans
- decision making
- parturition
- patient participation
- prenatal care