Program

Nurse-Midwifery M.S.

Number of Pages

48

Year Approved

2024

First Advisor

Vingers, Julie Ann

Second Reader

Katrina Wu

Abstract

Introduction: Many women suffer from fear of childbirth, which often goes undiagnosed. Recent studies have shown that women suffering a severe fear of childbirth have several treatment options to help them achieve a healthy childbirth experience. The focus of this review was to explore the different ways in which midwives can support and treat women who have a severe fear of childbirth. Methods: A search on keywords in the literature, carried out using the PubMed database, yielded 19 original studies that satisfied both inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pertinent research findings and demographics were selected and assembled using the Jean Watson theory of human caring model. Results: Results from these trials revealed multiple ways to lessen the fear of childbirth and anxiety including mindfulness-based stress reduction, hypnobirthing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting, cognitive behavioral therapy, haptonomy, and integrated childbirth education. Additional findings revealed the importance of continued education and guidance. Discussion: Most recent research centered on the individual, institutional, and interpersonal levels. Opportunities still exist for delivering and assessing resources and treatments for women who suffer with severe fear of childbirth and this vulnerable population

Degree Name

M.S. Nurse-Midwifery

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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