Midwife-led integrated pre-birth training and its impact on the fear of childbirth. A qualitative interview study

Background: Although most expectant women with severe fear of childbirth take pre-birth training sessions, the available literature does not provide substantial emphirical data on its impacts, especially in developing countries like Kenya.
Aim: The study aimed at exploring women’s experience from midwife-led integrated pre-birth training and its impact on the fear of childbirth.

Method: A qualitative interview was conducted using a thematic analysis. Thirty-three women who had experienced high and severe fear of childbirth, and had completed midwife-led integrated pre-birth training were interviewed one month after giving birth. The interviews were conducted in a maternal and child health clinic in Samburu, Kenya from December 2019 to January 2020. Collected data was analysed based on thematic analysis.

Results: The general theme ‘midwife-led integrated pre-birth training promoted constructive disposition and enhanced trust in the process of giving birth’ was validated by the interviewed participants. Their contributions covered three themes: ‘the significance of midwife-led pre-birth training’, ‘the role of efficient communication during pregnancy,’ and ‘adaptation to procedures for improved childbirth experience’.

Conclusions: In this study 85% (n = 29) of the participants revealed that midwife-led integrated pre-birth training enhanced their expectations for birth processes. They demonstrated readiness and preparedness for this process, which would lead to improved childbirth outcomes.