Management of the second stage of labour in women with epidural analgesia: A qualitative study exploring Midwives' experiences in Northern Italy.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To our knowledge, this was the first study on this topic conducted in an Italian setting. Despite the consistent body of evidence on the effects of epidural analgesia in the second stage on birth outcomes, the lack of clear guidelines, the presence of different hospital protocols and Obstetricians' opinion, introduce uncertainty in midwifery practice and lead midwives with feelings of 'uselessness'. Across the four themes, midwives frequently had to negotiate a space for their professional autonomy with other healthcare professionals, whilst adhering to the Obstetric Units' protocols. An influencing factor on the care provided to women with epidural was the years of midwife's experience on labour ward. Further research and the development of comprehensive midwifery care guidelines on the management of the second stage of labour in women with an epidural analgesia appears essential. PMID: 31326664 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Midwifery - Category: Midwifery Authors: Tags: Midwifery Source Type: research