title: Women's views about the importance of education in preparation for childbirth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper reports original research that embraces childbearing women's views about the importance of education in preparation for childbirth. A survey was carried out using the Birth Satisfaction Scale developed by Hollins Martin and Fleming (2011). All of the items in the questionnaire include a space where the women can add their own comments to allow them to document what is important to them. This paper reports the analysis of this qualitative data.
  
  
  METHODS
  The qualitative data collected in the survey was analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) method for undertaking a thematic analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were a convenience sample of postnatal women from a maternity unit in the West of Scotland (UK) (n = 228) who had an uncomplicated pregnancy at term (37-42 weeks). Those with a medical diagnosis, poor obstetric history, prematurity (<37 weeks), postmaturity (>42 weeks), younger than (<16) and over (>50) of age, had a history of stillbirth, perinatal or neonatal death were excluded from participating in the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes emerged from the data: 'Better to be prepared', 'Prepared through previous experience' and 'In labour nothing goes to plan'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants in this study were variable in their reports about the importance of education in preparation for childbirth, with some clearly presenting a perception of no need. For the midwife, importance lies in providing women with educational opportunities and choice and control in relation to uptake.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women may perceive more value in education when they evaluate it as critical to their outcomes. For example, providing information about: (a) how to identify risk factors before and after birth, (b) strategies that can work towards improving maternal and fetal health, (c) how to improve fetal growth and wellbeing, (d) how to improve nutritional and dietary status, (e) optimising pregnancy outcomes. In relation to delivery of education, midwives require to make purpose and links clear.
authors.affiliation: MS 278, Mary Seacole Building, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Salford, Frederick Road, Salford M6 6PU, UK. Electronic address: caroline.hollins-martin@salford.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Caroline Joy
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Hollins Martin
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Robb
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036801:Parturition; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Choice; Control; Parenthood education; Pregnancy; Qualitative; Thematic analysis