Adolescents' perception of support during labor

Abstract

Childbirth is a pivotal event in a woman's life. Labor support plays an important role in this experience because it influences the woman's classification of the birth experience as positive or negative. Studies of adult women have identified the type of labor support that enhances the childbirth experience. Few studies, however, have identified the type of labor support that adolescents perceive as being helpful. The purpose of this study was to identify the nursing behaviors that adolescents perceive as being helpful during labor. A descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of 16 adolescents. Findings indicated that adolescents' needs focus on pain relief, nonjudgmental nursing care, and emotional support.