Women's sense of control during labour and birth with epidural analgesia: A qualitative descriptive study

Sense of control during childbirth is a critical issue concerning the association between high-quality maternity care and infant health. This study explored the facilitators of or barriers to a sense of control and the need for interventions to raise women's experience in childbirth. The data came from 17 participants. Data collection was conducted in the childbirth room and within three days following childbirth, respectively. For tackling the research problems, participant observation and interviewing were applied. Thematic analysis was applied to the data analyzed. Two themes were identified: (1) facilitators of or barriers to practice a sense of control and (2) Care needed for a sense of control. The effectiveness of a sense of control is related to energy refill, mental loading subsided, control over decisions, non-pharmacological usage, and support from the meaningful person. Care needed includes showing empathy, providing information, using complementary pain-relief strategies, and adjusting care by parturient conditions. This study highlights the influencing factors and interventions relating to women's sense of control during childbirth with epidural analgesia. The findings suggest that many approaches, such as white noise, benefit women's sense of control after an epidural. Using non-pharmacological methods, such as a birth ball, should be appropriately regulated by situations to enhance women's sense of control. Through the assessment, education, attention to maternal needs, and recognizing the barriers to a sense of control, women will benefit from the interventions designed to improve their sense of control during childbirth.