THE EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS LABOR SUPPORT PROGRAM ON THE PERCEPTION OF CHILDBIRTH EXPERIENCE AMONG FIRST-TIME LABORING WOMEN

Abstract

This study took a quasi-experimental approach with a two-group post-test design aimed at studying the effects of a Continuous Labor Support Program on the perception of childbirth experience among first-time laboring women by using Kayne and colleagues’ labor support concept (Kayne et al., 2001) as the conceptual framework. The subjects were laboring women with mothers as their labor coaches. The subjects were purposively sampled based on inclusion criteria with 24 subjects assigned to the control group and 24 subjects assigned to the experimental group. The control group received routine care only and the experimental group received routine care with the Continuous Labor Support Program. This study was carried out in October 2016 to February 2017. Data were collected by using the Perceived Childbirth Experience Assessment Form. Data were analyzed to compare differences in mean perceived labor experience scores among first-time mothers between both groups by using ANCOVA statistics. The findings revealed the experimental group have higher perceived childbirth experience scores than the control group with statistical significance (p<.05).

            The findings of this study indicate that the Continuous Labor Support Program can be implemented to promote positive childbirth experiences among laboring women and to develop quality of care during labor.