1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The study objective was to explore some women’s birth experiences within the context of the numerous changes that have occurred in perinatal care since the evolution of this movement, and to determine how information and knowledge acquired about pregnancy and birth influenced women’s birth experiences. » (p. 161)

Questions/Hypothèses:
« We originally approached this study with two study questions: First, what kind of knowledge do women have concerning pregnancy and birthing/delivery? Second, in what ways does the knowledge acquired from various information sources influence women’s experience of childbirth? As the study developed, we explored the question of informed consent or choice and to what extent the proliferation of information actually facilitates or interferes with women’s ability to make informed decisions. » (p. 161)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
36 femmes ont été interviewées dans des cliniques de santé prénatales de Montréal et de Vancouver.

Instruments:
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

« […] Since the 1970s, the movement to ''humanize'' birth in North America has evolved into ''family-centered maternity care,'' which has focused on providing evidence-based maternity care that is responsive to the needs of women and their families. The objective of this research was to explore women’s birth experiences within the context of the numerous changes that have occurred in perinatal care and to determine how information and knowledge acquired about pregnancy and birth influenced women’s birth experiences. […] Most study participants were unaware of the range of available providers and birth settings. Of the women who were more aware of their options, those selecting a birth center or home birth and midwives had different notions of risk than those who planned a hospital birth. Study participants felt generally well informed, but thought that information sharing, collaborative decision making, or both were inadequate during labor and birth within the hospital setting. […] Despite positive changes in recent years, family-centered maternity care in Canada still needs to be improved. Women’s ability to use their acquired prenatal knowledge to feel satisfied by their birth experience continues to be undermined by a system of care that does not prioritize women’s informed choice. Further systemic change is required to align maternity care with the needs of Canadian birthing women and their families. » (p. 160)