Dear Sue
I agree wholeheartedly with Sheena - showing films of either a vaginal birth or caesarean may potentially cause more harm than good as the viewer can only interpret what they see from within their own past and future imagined experiences- over which you have no control. The support of a doula throughout pregnancy and the birth sounds like an excellent strategy. In addition, if the woman could also get to know the midwife who will be providing her care- throughout pregnancy and the labour and birth and postnatally, she may also find this anxiety reducing. Talking with other mothers who have had positive birth experiences - in an ongoing way rather than a one-off meeting - may also be a useful strategy for her. Women in the Albany practice found the use of still photographs to be hugely beneficial in dispelling fears and normalising childbirth - but these were presented as an integral part of an ongoing relationship with the midwives who were providing their care and who they had come to know personally - so showing the photographs was part of an ongoing and supportive relationship and conversation with midwives and other mothers - they were not an isolated event.
Best wishes
Maralyn
Maralyn Foureur
Professor of Midwifery
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health and University of Technology Sydney
Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health
PO Box 123
Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
Tel: 0448 448 735
________________________________________
From: A forum for discussion on midwifery and reproductive health research. [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of sheena byrom [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, 2 April 2011 3:58 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Birth DVD
Hi Sue
I am not sure what if any evidence there is around the use of film for birth preparation, but in my experience I have found them more harmful than good. The viewer is an onlooker, and events in a film frequently are out of context. I would worry that showing this woman a film of a vaginal birth or a C/S may instil more anxiety. It so hard. I think the one to one support you mention is the best strategy.....But that's just my view!
Good luck,
Sheena
On 1 Apr 2011, at 15:39, Susan Fenwick <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear List Colleagues,
>
> Would someone be able to advise. Primigravida with severe tokophobia (SVD and elective/emergency CS), on going mental health issues, receiving counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy. Is their a suitable DVD/film showing SVD and ELLSCS which could be used in one to one birth preparation sessions for this woman. Efforts are being made by the multidisciplinary team including a birth doula to make her pregnancy and birth a positive experience. I am interested in the current discourse relating to the use of films/DVD in preparation for childbirth classes.
>
> Thank you
>
> Sue Fenwick MPhil
> Midwife
UTS CRICOS Provider Code: 00099F
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