Results show that the womenââ¬â¢s experiences of being involved in decisions and the relationship to professional and social support during their first labor can be conceptualized as one main theme: ââ¬ÅMost important for first time mothersââ¬â¢ during labor is to be respected for their needs, to feel involved in the care, and support from their partnerââ¬Â. This theme contained three categories: ââ¬ÅTo be respected for their needsââ¬Â, ââ¬ÅTo be involved in the careââ¬Â and ââ¬ÅSupport from the partnerââ¬Â. A safe and calm environment positively influenced the womenââ¬â¢s sense of support, and the ability to have her partner physically present positively influenced the sense of support. When healthcare professionals responded to a womanââ¬â¢s unique needs during labor, the woman felt that the support was based on her as an individual and possibility to being involved in decisions; otherwise a feeling of uncertainty emerged. If the womanââ¬â¢s partner was able to offer support, then it was essential that he was physically present in the room throughout the birth.
Last date updated on September, 2024