Childbirth preparation through prenatal education classes
What is it about?
Nine out of ten Swedes who are expecting their first child attend to free classes offered by maternity clinics. In these classes, midwives attempt to prepare expectant parents for childbirth and parenting. This study investigates how midwives go about in trying to prepare the parents for childbirth. I show that the midwives particularly try to mitigate fear and distress among the parents, given that many things cannot be controlled during childbirth. In their talk about childbirth, the midwives emphasize talk about things that the mother and the medical professionals can do to affect the outcome of the event. The study builds on video recordings of two prenatal education classes, as well as on interviews with the midwives who led them.
Why is it important?
The study gives greater insight into one of the most widely used resources where new parents in Sweden obtain health knowledge connected to their role as parents. It also highlights how professional care workers can go about to help prepare care takers for intimidating events in their future.