Childbearing women's perceptions of nursing care that promotes dignity.
OBJECTIVE
To gain an understanding of the perceptions of childbearing women about the maintenance of dignity while laboring and giving birth.


METHODS
Descriptive qualitative study.


METHODS
A university community in the western United States.


METHODS
Twenty low-risk primiparous women who had recently given birth to healthy term neonates.


METHODS
Semistructured audio-taped interviews were conducted in the homes of participants using an interview guide.


RESULTS
The following themes were identified: (a) nurses played a pivotal role in preserving dignity during childbirth, (b) women appreciated feeling valued and respected, and (c) dignity was enhanced by nursing care that gave women their preferred level of control.


CONCLUSIONS
Nursing behaviors that demonstrate valuing and respect of childbearing women are essential in preserving the quality of the birth experience.
Matthews
Rachel
R
University of Utah Medical Center, USA.
Callister
Lynn Clark
LC
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology*; D008016:Life Change Events; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards; D009773:Obstetric Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires