Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: October-December | Volume: 5 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 309-316
Effect of Doula Care on Anxiety Level among Labouring Mothers: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Heena Devi1, Sunita Sharma1, Sukhjit Kaur1, Pooja Sikka2
1National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
2Additional. Prof. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Corresponding Author: Heena Devi
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Labour is one of the most exciting and important events of woman’s life, but often are accompanied by fear related to childbirth. The birth experience is a joyous event; yet, for the first-time mother and her partner is one which can produce fear, anxiety, and a roller coaster of emotions. Once labour commences, doulas are emotionally supportive by being physically present during the entire labour process.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of doula care on level of anxiety among labouring mothers admitted in CLR, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was used and 120 labouring mothers from CLR, Nehru hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh were selected by using purposive sampling technique from 25th July to 15th September 2019. The tools used for data collection was interview schedule composed of socio-demographic and obstetrical profile and state and trait anxiety inventory used for the assessment of anxiety level. Level of anxiety was assessed in the experimental group after implementing the doula care (psychological support by doula as a birth companion, effleurage massage, breathing exercises, and positioning) and in the control group after giving routine care.
Results: The pre-test showed no difference in anxiety level among both the groups. (p>0.05). In the post-test there was significantly low anxiety level in experimental group as compared to control group as shown by Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon Test (p<0.05).
Conclusion: It is concluded that doula care is effective in reduction of anxiety during labour.
Keywords: Doula, Doula care, Intra-natal period, effleurage massage.