Shoulder dystocia: A panic station or an opportunity for post-traumatic growth?

Minooee, S; Cummins, A; Foureur, M; Travaglia, J

Shoulder dystocia: A panic station or an opportunity for post-traumatic growth?

Minooee, S

Cummins, A

Foureur, M

Travaglia, J

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Publisher:: Elsevier
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Midwifery, 2021, 101, pp. 1-9
Issue Date:: 2021-10

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Minooee, S https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3680-2163
dc.contributor.author	Cummins, A https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0626-3365
dc.contributor.author	Foureur, M https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0454-0165
dc.contributor.author	Travaglia, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7537-0466
dc.date.accessioned	2021-11-30T05:36:16Z
dc.date.available	2021-05-13
dc.date.available	2021-11-30T05:36:16Z
dc.date.issued	2021-10
dc.identifier.citation	Midwifery, 2021, 101, pp. 1-9
dc.identifier.issn	0266-6138
dc.identifier.issn	1532-3099
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/151926
dc.description.abstract	Background: Traumatic births are considered as challenging events in the professional life of midwives. Negative emotional and psychological consequences of these births on midwives are well-established. However, evidence suggests that in the aftermath of challenging events, such as birth traumas, positive outcomes may emerge as well. Based on the literature, shoulder dystocia (SD) is known as one of the most traumatic birth experiences for midwives. In this study we aimed to explore the impact of experiencing SD complicated births on clinical practice of midwives. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken. Midwives who had an experience of at least one case of SD were invited to the study through the Australian College of Midwives. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 midwives. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Results: Three themes were identified 1) Putting on a brave face 2) Towards the growth zone 3) I am resilient enough to recover, because of …. Experience of SD was described as a dreadful event in midwives’ career. However, on reflection, this experience was considered as a benefit which developed midwives’ clinical expertise and contributed to their professional empowerment. Having faith in birth normality, support from workplace, seniority/ years of experience and self-confidence were among the factors which helped midwives in overcoming the stress after SD. Conclusion: There needs to be greater awareness about the consequences of traumatic births such as SD for midwives. Collegial support has a critical role in helping midwives to have a positive outlook on their traumatic experience and to ease their pathway of professional growth.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Elsevier
dc.relation.ispartof	Midwifery
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.midw.2021.103044
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	1110 Nursing, 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine, 1117 Public Health and Health Services
dc.subject.classification	Nursing
dc.subject.mesh	Australia
dc.subject.mesh	Female
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Midwifery
dc.subject.mesh	Nurse Midwives
dc.subject.mesh	Parturition
dc.subject.mesh	Posttraumatic Growth, Psychological
dc.subject.mesh	Pregnancy
dc.subject.mesh	Qualitative Research
dc.subject.mesh	Shoulder Dystocia
dc.title	Shoulder dystocia: A panic station or an opportunity for post-traumatic growth?
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	101
utslib.location.activity	Scotland
utslib.for	1110 Nursing
utslib.for	1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Midwifery
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2021-11-30T05:36:14Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	101

Abstract:

Background: Traumatic births are considered as challenging events in the professional life of midwives. Negative emotional and psychological consequences of these births on midwives are well-established. However, evidence suggests that in the aftermath of challenging events, such as birth traumas, positive outcomes may emerge as well. Based on the literature, shoulder dystocia (SD) is known as one of the most traumatic birth experiences for midwives. In this study we aimed to explore the impact of experiencing SD complicated births on clinical practice of midwives. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken. Midwives who had an experience of at least one case of SD were invited to the study through the Australian College of Midwives. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 midwives. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Results: Three themes were identified 1) Putting on a brave face 2) Towards the growth zone 3) I am resilient enough to recover, because of …. Experience of SD was described as a dreadful event in midwives’ career. However, on reflection, this experience was considered as a benefit which developed midwives’ clinical expertise and contributed to their professional empowerment. Having faith in birth normality, support from workplace, seniority/ years of experience and self-confidence were among the factors which helped midwives in overcoming the stress after SD. Conclusion: There needs to be greater awareness about the consequences of traumatic births such as SD for midwives. Collegial support has a critical role in helping midwives to have a positive outlook on their traumatic experience and to ease their pathway of professional growth.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/151926