Partoanalgesia: il vissuto delle donne

Introduction The experience of the pain of childbirth is the effect of a set of physiological and psychic factors. To handle this pain, an increasing number of women requires epidural analgesia. While the control of the pain of labor and childbirth is an object of interest for the scientific community, studies that take into consideration what is the experience of women who choose epidural analgesia are scarce. The absence of pain can make underestimate the importance of midwifery care, but this is crucial for women. Aim of the study The aim of this study is to identify the experience and satisfaction of women who use the epidural analgesia at the clinic Luigi Mangiagalli of Milan. By analyzing the experience we try to understand what kind of assistance women want, with the aim of improving the quality of midwifery care and ensuring a positive experience of labor and childbirth. Materials and Methods The data collection took place through a first consultation of the birth register present in the birth records and medical records. Women were interviewed 48 hours after childbirth. Sampling was of convenience. The data collection took place between July 2019 and September 2019. Results The study sample consists of 15 women. The analysis of the interviews showed that epidural analgesia, as a method of pain control, is a difficult choice for women. This decision is influenced by several factors. Time has been a determining factor for many women, accompanied by pre-existing fears, from previous childbirth experiences, from other women’s stories and sometimes also from the influence of health professionals. Epidural analgesia has not only positive effects, not all the participants were satisfied with the pain-relieving effect. Several women have experienced unpleasant sensations. In addition, there were effects on the development of labour, with a decrease of uterine contraction, and numerous recourse to medical procedures, like amniorrhexis and oxytocin infusion. Continuity of midwifery care has proved to be very important. Women with epidural analgesia need the constant proximity of the midwife, that supports them during labor and guides them in the delivery. Conclusions Although epidural analgesia relieves the pain of labor and childbirth, it does not guarantee a positive birth experience. It is important to consider feelings, values, concerns, sense of control, self-esteem and the satisfaction of the woman before, during and after the epidural analgesia. A woman-centred care can make the experience of childbirth positive, even in cases where epidural analgesia has not had the desired effects.