The experience of touch received during labor Postpartum perceptions of therapeutic value

This descriptive study examines the perceptions of women regarding the therapeutic value of touch received during labor. Thirty women who had a normal spontaneous vaginal birth attended by a nurse-midwife were interviewed during the immediate postpartal period. This study showed that various aspects of touch can be therapeutic during labor. Touch was perceived most frequently as therapeutic during the transition phase of labor-a finding that disputes current conceptual literature. Therapeutic touch meant sympathy, participation, and encouragement, and was perceived as able to reduce pain. Hand holding was the type of touch most consistent in therapeutic value throughout labor. The findings of this study showed that received touch was helpful to the woman in labor because it helped her cope with the experience.