Grand Multiparous Women’s Perceptions of Birthing, Nursing Care, and Childbirth Technology

ABSTRACT

This qualitative descriptive study explored grand multiparous women’s perceptions of the evolving changes in birthing, nursing care, and technology. A purposive sample of grand multiparous women (N = 13) from rural, eastern Washington State were interviewed as they shared their 105 birth stories. Eight themes were identified: (1) providing welcome care, (2) offering choices, (3) following birth plans, (4) establishing trust and rapport, (5) being an advocate, (6) providing reassurance and support, (7) relying on electronic fetal monitors and assessments versus nursing presence, and (8) having epidurals coupled with loss of bodily cues. Results from this study may be used to educate women, intrapartum nurses, and childbirth educators on nursing care and on the evolving use of technology to better manage intrapartum care in hospitals. The results can also add to the extant knowledge of childbirth nursing practices.