Abstract
Introduction
'Pain is never the sole creation of our anatomy and physiology; it emerges only at the intersection of bodies, minds and culture' (Morris, I 991, pl).
This statement reminds us to consider the influences of 'bodies, minds and culture' when thinking about the complexity of how a person approaches the subject of pain in labour. When translated into values and beliefs, these influences can have a profound effect on how practitioners engage with women around pain in labour and ultimately, on women's experiences of birth. Indeed, as Ellen Hodnett has noted:
'The influences of pain, pain relief, and intrapartum medical interventions on subsequent satisfaction are neither as obvious, as direct, nor as powerful as the influences of the attitudes and behaviors of the caregivers'. (Hodnett, 2002 S160).
With these considerations in mind, in this chapter we explore perspectives on pain in labour drawing on work describing three paradigms...
'Pain is never the sole creation of our anatomy and physiology; it emerges only at the intersection of bodies, minds and culture' (Morris, I 991, pl).
This statement reminds us to consider the influences of 'bodies, minds and culture' when thinking about the complexity of how a person approaches the subject of pain in labour. When translated into values and beliefs, these influences can have a profound effect on how practitioners engage with women around pain in labour and ultimately, on women's experiences of birth. Indeed, as Ellen Hodnett has noted:
'The influences of pain, pain relief, and intrapartum medical interventions on subsequent satisfaction are neither as obvious, as direct, nor as powerful as the influences of the attitudes and behaviors of the caregivers'. (Hodnett, 2002 S160).
With these considerations in mind, in this chapter we explore perspectives on pain in labour drawing on work describing three paradigms...
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Squaring the Circle |
| Subtitle of host publication | Researching normal childbirth in a technological world |
| Editors | Soo Downe, Sheena Byrom |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Pinter and Martin |
| Chapter | 16 |
| Pages | 193-203 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-1-78066-440-8 |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Childbirth
- Pain management
- Clinical practice
