Centros de parto normal (CPN) têm como finalidade a assistência à mulher no parto normal sem complicações. Podem ter localização intra-hospitalar, peri-hospitalar ou extra-hospitalar (autônomo). Os objetivos foram: identificar os fatores de risco para transferência materna de um CPN para o hospital; elaborar um modelo de risco para transferência intraparto baseado nos fatores identificados e analisar os desfechos maternos e neonatais das transferências. Estudo do tipo caso-controle, com coleta de dados retrospectiva, em um centro de parto extra-hospitalar (Casa do Parto de Sapopemba - CPS) e no Hospital Estadual de Vila Alpina (HEVA), na cidade de São Paulo. Os casos foram todas as mulheres transferidas da CPS para o HEVA, de março de 2002 a dezembro de 2009. Os controles foram mulheres não transferidas que deram à luz na CPS no mesmo período, selecionadas aleatoriamente, sendo quatro controles para cada caso. Os fatores de risco para transferências maternas intraparto foram analisados primeiro pelo teste Qui-Quadrado. Na análise múltipla, incluíram-se as variáveis com p<0,20. Elaborou-se a seguir o modelo de regressão logística múltiplo pelo processo stepwise forward selection; variáveis com p<0,05 foram fatores independentes associados às transferências maternas. Transferências maternas pós-parto tiveram análise descritiva, em razão do reduzido número (13). Variáveis identificadas como fatores de risco independentes para transferência intraparto: nuliparidade (OR 5,6; IC 95% 2,9-10,9), idade materna 35 anos (OR 5,0; IC 95% 2,0-12,7), não ter companheiro (OR 2,7; IC 95% 1,4-5,1), ser admitida na CPS com cervicodilatação 3 cm (OR 2,0; IC 95% 1,1-3,4), realizar 5-12 consultas na CPS (OR 3,3; IC 95% 1,6-6,7) e peso do RN de 4.000-4.600 g (OR 3,5; IC 95% 1,1-11,2). Adequação entre altura uterina e idade gestacional baixa (OR 0,3; IC 95% 0,2-0,6) foi fator de proteção para a transferência. Apresentou-se modelo de risco para transferência intraparto, com probabilidade de transferência estimada de acordo com as variáveis identificadas como fatores de risco. Nos desfechos das transferências maternas: taxa de transferência intraparto: 4,1%; pós-parto: 0,5%; não houve óbitos entre as mulheres que deram à luz na CPS ou no HEVA e entre os RN da CPS; houve óbito de dois RN do HEVA (taxa de mortalidade perinatal: 0,73/1.000 nascidos vivos). Causas de transferência intraparto: maternas (57,6% falha no progresso do trabalho de parto); fetais (28% líquido amniótico meconial e traçado cardiotocográfico alterado); outras (14,4%); via de parto das mulheres transferidas: 49,5% parto normal; 44,1% cesariana; 4,5% fórceps e 1,8% vácuo extrator. Entre os RN de mães transferidas: 25,2% e 4,5% tiveram Apgar <7 nos 1º e 5º minutos, respectivamente; unidade de internação: 10,8% na UTI neonatal, 9,0% unidade de cuidados intermediários, 0,9% setor de observação e 79,3% alojamento conjunto. Causas de transferência no pós-parto: retenção placentária (38,5%); outros problemas (30,8%); sangramento vaginal aumentado (15,4%) e febre materna (15,4%); 46,1% necessitaram de curetagem e 38,4% de transfusão sanguínea. Concluiu-se que identificar os fatores de risco para transferência materna contribui para refinar os critérios de admissão de mulheres atendidas em CPN, ao auxiliar na identificação de casos que podem resultar em complicações. / Birth centers (BC) aim to provide care to women in normal birth without complications. They may have in-hospital, alongside or freestanding (autonomous) locations. The objectives were to identify risk factors for maternal transfer from a BC to the hospital, to develop a risk model for intrapartum transfers using the identified factors and to analyze the maternal and neonatal outcomes of transfers. It was a case-control study, with retrospective data collection in a freestanding birth center (Sapopemba Birth Center - SBP) and the State Hospital Vila Alpina (HEVA), in São Paulo. The cases were all women transferred from SBP to HEVA, from March 2002 to December 2009. The controls were not transferred women who gave birth in CPS in the same period, randomly selected, four controls for each case. Risk factors for maternal intrapartum transfers were primarily analized by the Chi-square test. In the multivariate analysis, the variables with p <0.20 were included. The multiple logistic regression model was build by stepwise forward selection process; variables with p <0.05 were factors independently associated with maternal transfers. Postpartum maternal transfers had descriptive analysis, due to the small number (13). Variables identified as independent risk factors for intrapartum transfer: nulliparity (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.9 to 10.9), maternal age 35 years (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.0 to 12. 7), no partner (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.1), admission to the CPS with cervical dilation 3 cm (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.4), number of appointments on SBC 5-12 CPS (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.7) and newborn weight 4000-4600 g (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 11.2). The low result for fitting uterine height and gestational age (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.6) was a protective factor for transfer. A model of risk for intrapartum transfer was presented, to estimate the probability of transfer according to the variables identified as risk factors. The outcomes of maternal transfers were: intrapartum transfer rate: 4.1%; postpartum transfer rate: 0.5%; there were no deaths among women who gave birth in SBC or HEVA or between the newborns who were born on SBC; there were two deaths of newborns born in HEVA (perinatal mortality rate: 0.73 / 1,000 live births). Causes of intrapartum transfer: maternal (57.6% failure to progress in labor), fetal (28% meconium stained amniotic fluid and cardiotocographic trace changes), others (14.4%); mode of delivery of the transferred women: 49, 5% normal delivery, cesarean section 44.1%, 4.5% forceps and 1.8% vacuum extractor. Among infants of mothers transferred: 25.2% and 4.5% had Apgar score <7 at 1st and 5th minutes, respectively; unit admission of newborns: 10.8% in the neonatal intensive care unity, 9.0% intermediate care unit, 0, 9% observation rooms and 79.3% rooming-in unity. Causes of postpartum transfer: retained placenta (38.5%), other problems (30.8%), increased vaginal bleeding (15.4%) and maternal fever (15.4%); 46.1% required curettage and 38.4% blood transfusion. It was concluded that identifying risk factors for maternal transfer contributes to refine the criteria for admission of women attending BC, as it can be useful in identifying cases that may lead to complications.

A Casa do Parto de Sapopemba (CPS) é uma unidade autônoma, isolada do hospital, integrada ao Sistema Único de Saúde. Atende mulheres com gestação de baixo risco e a assistência é prestada exclusivamente por obstetrizes e enfermeiras obstétricas. Este modelo tem sido criticado em relação à segurança para a mulher e recém-nascido. A literatura aponta menos intervenções desnecessárias e maiores níveis de satisfação das mulheres atendidas em casas de parto. No Brasil existem poucos estudos sobre o tema. Os objetivos deste estudo, do tipo caso-controle, foram: descrever as remoções neonatais segundo o motivo, tempo de vida, local e desfecho; identificar os fatores de risco associados à remoção. Ocorreram 2.840 partos na CPS no período de setembro de 1998 a agosto de 2005. Os casos foram todos os recém-nascidos removidos da CPS para hospitais de referência (n=32) no período do estudo. Os controles foram recém-nascidos da CPS, nascidos no mesmo período e que não foram removidos (n=64). Os dados foram coletados dos prontuários e registro sobre os partos da instituição. Foi realizada análise univariada e de regressão logística múltipla dos dados. A prevalência de remoções e a taxa de mortalidade neonatal foi de 1,1% e 1/1.000 nascidos vivos, respectivamente. O desconforto respiratório foi o motivo principal para a remoção neonatal seguido de suspeita de aspiração de mecônio, hipotonia e asfixia neonatal. O Hospital Geral de Vila Alpina recebeu 51,6 % das remoções e o Amparo Maternal 32,6%. No momento da remoção, o tempo de vida do recém-nascido variou entre 5 minutos e 30 horas (média=8 horas; mediana=5 horas; dp=8,3 horas). Os fatores de risco para remoção neonatal foram: intercorrências no trabalho de parto e parto (OR=5,5; IC 95% 1,06 – 28,26), hábito de fumar durante a gestação (OR=4,1; IC 95% 1,03 – 16,33) e Índice de Apgar igual ou menor que sete no primeiro minuto de vida (OR=7,8; IC 95% 1,62 – 37,03). As taxas de remoção e mortalidade neonatal encontradas, similares ou inferiores a estudos internacionais, são importantes indicadores da qualidade do atendimento na CPS. Acredita-se que o conhecimento dos fatores de risco para remoção possa contribuir para o aprimoramento da assistência, pela identificação de situações que apontam para um maior risco de complicações neonatais. / The Sapopemba Birth Center (SBC) is a public free-standing maternity unit, isolated from the reference hospital. Obstetric care for low-risk women is offered by midwives and nurse-midwives. This model of care has been questioned concerning women and newborns safety. Studies show less unnecessary interventions and higher level of satisfaction of women assisted in birth centers. There are few studies on this subject in Brazil. This case-control study aimed to: describe neonatal transfers according to the reasons, newborn lifetime, backup hospital and conditions of newborns after transfer; identify risk factors associated with neonatal transfers in this setting. There were 2,840 births in the SBC during the study period, from September 1998 to August 2005. Cases were all newborns transferred from the SBC to referenced hospitals (32) during the study period. Controls were selected from newborns delivered at the SBC in the same period and who were not transferred to hospital (64). Data were collected from records available at the birth center. Unvaried and multiple analysis was performed using conditional logistic regression. The neonatal transfer and mortality rates were 1.1% and 1/1,000, respectively. Respiratory distress was the main reason for transfer, followed by suspected aspiration of meconium, hypotonia and neonatal asphyxia. The Vila Alpina General Hospital received 51.6% of transfers from the SBC and the Amparo Maternal, 32.6%. In the moment of transfer, the newborn’s lifetime varied from 5 minutes to 30 hours (mean = 8 hours; median = 5 hours; sd = 8,3 hours). Risk factors associated with neonatal transfers were: labor and intrapartum complications (OR = 5.5; CI 95% 1.06 – 28.26); smoking during pregnancy (OR = 4.1; CI 95% 1.03 – 16.33); first minute Apgar score bellow eight (OR = 7.8; CI 95% 1.62 – 37.03). Neonatal mortality and transfer rates found in this study were similar or lower comparing to the international studies and they represent an important index of quality related to the assistance given in the SBC. The knowledge of risk factors associated with neonatal transfers from this birth center may contribute for the improvement of care, by the identification of the situations that show a higher risk of neonatal complications.

Submitted by Fabíola Silva (fabiola.silva@famerp.br) on 2016-06-22T17:26:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 denisegonzalessdefaria_dissert.pdf: 1936717 bytes, checksum: bd496c72b011dbca6bfad851279c7417 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-22T17:26:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 denisegonzalessdefaria_dissert.pdf: 1936717 bytes, checksum: bd496c72b011dbca6bfad851279c7417 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-11-17 / Introduction: The obstetric care model in Brazil has been the subject of much discussion and research. Attention has centered on the need to consider women’s autonomy during the delivery process and the inclusion of midwives and obstetric nurses in the conduct of low-risk labor and birth. In-hospital normal birth centers (IHNBC) constitute an appropriate model for the care of women in labor and for the incorporation of practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Objective: To present a proposal of implementation and development of an IHNBC. Methods: This study is divided into chapters and includes a comprehensive review of the literature on the following topics: the Brazilian obstetric care process and the identification of ways to decrease the extremely high rates of cesarean sections in the country; Obstetric Violence; Childbirth Humanization; training and performance of midwives and obstetric nurses; and Normal Birth Centers and Birth Houses. This review supported the creation and implementation of the proposed IHNBC. The hospital that served as a research field is located in the state of São Paulo and offers obstetric care to women who use the Unified Health System (SUS). It also serves as a traineeship field for undergraduate medical and nursing students, medical residents and obstetric nursing specialization students. Results: We present environmental, social and programmatic characteristics (protocols) of the proposed IHNBC, according to the recommendations of the WHO and Ministry of Health. Additionally, we discuss the strengths, difficulties, expectations and perspectives of the development process, in order to comply with the “Stork Network” prerogatives (rede Cegonha, in Portuguese). Conclusion: In the specific context of this research, we expect that the proposed IHNBC implemented in the analyzed obstetric unit continues to be valued by managers and receives greater medical involvement. Moreover, we hope that this proposal is effectively implemented in the assessment phase according to the standards of the Stork Network, with the effective participation of midwives and obstetric nurses, and that this resut in the humanization of obstetric care, the assignment of greater value and recognitition to obstetric nursing and increased normal delivery rates. / Introdução: O modelo de assistência obstétrica no Brasil tem sido tema de muitas discussões e pesquisas que considerem a autonomia da mulher no processo de parturição e a inserção de obstetrizes e enfermeiros obstetras na condução do trabalho de parto e parto de baixo risco. Os Centros de parto normal intra-hospitalares- CPNIH constituem modelo de assistência apropriada à parturiente e da incorporação das práticas recomendadas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Objetivo: apresentar a proposta de implantação e a trajetória de desenvolvimento de um CPNIH. Método: Faz-se ampla revisão da literatura, apresentada em Capítulos, sobre o processo de assistência obstétrica no Brasil que permita diminuir os índices extremos de cesarianas no país, sobre Violência Obstétrica, Humanização do Nascimento, formação e atuação de obstetrizes e enfermeiros obstetras e sobre Centros de Parto Normal e Casas de Parto, que subsidiaram a organização e implantação do CPN proposto. O hospital campo da pesquisa é localizado no interior do estado de São Paulo, atende em Obstetrícia mulheres usuárias do SUS e constitui-se em campo de estágio curricular de alunos de graduação em medicina e enfermagem e para residentes médicos e alunos de especialização em enfermagem obstétrica. Resultados: são apresentadas as características ambientais, sociais e programáticas (protocolos) do CPNIH proposto, segundo as recomendações da OMS e MS, as facilidades, dificuldades, expectativas e perspectivas no desenvolvimento, que possa culminar com atendimento às prerrogativas da rede Cegonha. Conclusão: No aspecto específico desta pesquisa, esperamos que o CPNIH proposto na unidade obstétrica estudada continue a ter a valorização dos gestores, maior participação médica, implantação efetivada na avaliação segundo as normas da Rede Cegonha, efetiva atuação de obstetrizes e enfermeiros obstetras, que se reflitam na humanização do atendimento obstétrico, na valorização da enfermagem obstétrica e aumento dos índices de partos normais.

Centros de parto normal (CPN) têm como finalidade a assistência à mulher no parto normal sem complicações. Podem ter localização intra-hospitalar, peri-hospitalar ou extra-hospitalar (autônomo). Os objetivos foram: identificar os fatores de risco para transferência materna de um CPN para o hospital; elaborar um modelo de risco para transferência intraparto baseado nos fatores identificados e analisar os desfechos maternos e neonatais das transferências. Estudo do tipo caso-controle, com coleta de dados retrospectiva, em um centro de parto extra-hospitalar (Casa do Parto de Sapopemba - CPS) e no Hospital Estadual de Vila Alpina (HEVA), na cidade de São Paulo. Os casos foram todas as mulheres transferidas da CPS para o HEVA, de março de 2002 a dezembro de 2009. Os controles foram mulheres não transferidas que deram à luz na CPS no mesmo período, selecionadas aleatoriamente, sendo quatro controles para cada caso. Os fatores de risco para transferências maternas intraparto foram analisados primeiro pelo teste Qui-Quadrado. Na análise múltipla, incluíram-se as variáveis com p<0,20. Elaborou-se a seguir o modelo de regressão logística múltiplo pelo processo stepwise forward selection; variáveis com p<0,05 foram fatores independentes associados às transferências maternas. Transferências maternas pós-parto tiveram análise descritiva, em razão do reduzido número (13). Variáveis identificadas como fatores de risco independentes para transferência intraparto: nuliparidade (OR 5,6; IC 95% 2,9-10,9), idade materna 35 anos (OR 5,0; IC 95% 2,0-12,7), não ter companheiro (OR 2,7; IC 95% 1,4-5,1), ser admitida na CPS com cervicodilatação 3 cm (OR 2,0; IC 95% 1,1-3,4), realizar 5-12 consultas na CPS (OR 3,3; IC 95% 1,6-6,7) e peso do RN de 4.000-4.600 g (OR 3,5; IC 95% 1,1-11,2). Adequação entre altura uterina e idade gestacional baixa (OR 0,3; IC 95% 0,2-0,6) foi fator de proteção para a transferência. Apresentou-se modelo de risco para transferência intraparto, com probabilidade de transferência estimada de acordo com as variáveis identificadas como fatores de risco. Nos desfechos das transferências maternas: taxa de transferência intraparto: 4,1%; pós-parto: 0,5%; não houve óbitos entre as mulheres que deram à luz na CPS ou no HEVA e entre os RN da CPS; houve óbito de dois RN do HEVA (taxa de mortalidade perinatal: 0,73/1.000 nascidos vivos). Causas de transferência intraparto: maternas (57,6% falha no progresso do trabalho de parto); fetais (28% líquido amniótico meconial e traçado cardiotocográfico alterado); outras (14,4%); via de parto das mulheres transferidas: 49,5% parto normal; 44,1% cesariana; 4,5% fórceps e 1,8% vácuo extrator. Entre os RN de mães transferidas: 25,2% e 4,5% tiveram Apgar <7 nos 1º e 5º minutos, respectivamente; unidade de internação: 10,8% na UTI neonatal, 9,0% unidade de cuidados intermediários, 0,9% setor de observação e 79,3% alojamento conjunto. Causas de transferência no pós-parto: retenção placentária (38,5%); outros problemas (30,8%); sangramento vaginal aumentado (15,4%) e febre materna (15,4%); 46,1% necessitaram de curetagem e 38,4% de transfusão sanguínea. Concluiu-se que identificar os fatores de risco para transferência materna contribui para refinar os critérios de admissão de mulheres atendidas em CPN, ao auxiliar na identificação de casos que podem resultar em complicações. / Birth centers (BC) aim to provide care to women in normal birth without complications. They may have in-hospital, alongside or freestanding (autonomous) locations. The objectives were to identify risk factors for maternal transfer from a BC to the hospital, to develop a risk model for intrapartum transfers using the identified factors and to analyze the maternal and neonatal outcomes of transfers. It was a case-control study, with retrospective data collection in a freestanding birth center (Sapopemba Birth Center - SBP) and the State Hospital Vila Alpina (HEVA), in São Paulo. The cases were all women transferred from SBP to HEVA, from March 2002 to December 2009. The controls were not transferred women who gave birth in CPS in the same period, randomly selected, four controls for each case. Risk factors for maternal intrapartum transfers were primarily analized by the Chi-square test. In the multivariate analysis, the variables with p <0.20 were included. The multiple logistic regression model was build by stepwise forward selection process; variables with p <0.05 were factors independently associated with maternal transfers. Postpartum maternal transfers had descriptive analysis, due to the small number (13). Variables identified as independent risk factors for intrapartum transfer: nulliparity (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.9 to 10.9), maternal age 35 years (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.0 to 12. 7), no partner (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.1), admission to the CPS with cervical dilation 3 cm (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.4), number of appointments on SBC 5-12 CPS (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.7) and newborn weight 4000-4600 g (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 11.2). The low result for fitting uterine height and gestational age (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.6) was a protective factor for transfer. A model of risk for intrapartum transfer was presented, to estimate the probability of transfer according to the variables identified as risk factors. The outcomes of maternal transfers were: intrapartum transfer rate: 4.1%; postpartum transfer rate: 0.5%; there were no deaths among women who gave birth in SBC or HEVA or between the newborns who were born on SBC; there were two deaths of newborns born in HEVA (perinatal mortality rate: 0.73 / 1,000 live births). Causes of intrapartum transfer: maternal (57.6% failure to progress in labor), fetal (28% meconium stained amniotic fluid and cardiotocographic trace changes), others (14.4%); mode of delivery of the transferred women: 49, 5% normal delivery, cesarean section 44.1%, 4.5% forceps and 1.8% vacuum extractor. Among infants of mothers transferred: 25.2% and 4.5% had Apgar score <7 at 1st and 5th minutes, respectively; unit admission of newborns: 10.8% in the neonatal intensive care unity, 9.0% intermediate care unit, 0, 9% observation rooms and 79.3% rooming-in unity. Causes of postpartum transfer: retained placenta (38.5%), other problems (30.8%), increased vaginal bleeding (15.4%) and maternal fever (15.4%); 46.1% required curettage and 38.4% blood transfusion. It was concluded that identifying risk factors for maternal transfer contributes to refine the criteria for admission of women attending BC, as it can be useful in identifying cases that may lead to complications.

For birthing parents, the quality of care falls flat in the United States relative to other developed countries as rates of pregnancy-related deaths (PRD) continue to rise. California has in recent years made extraordinary progress in decreasing birthing parent mortality across the board. Yet, health disparities remain between race/ethnicities as Black birthing parents die at three to four times the rate of white birthing parents. In comparison to white Americans marginalized ethnic/racial groups in the United States have less access to quality care, experience and receive lower quality of health care and have less access to quality care, with few exceptions. Intersecting factors such as education, socioeconomic status and acculturation are investigated. Implicit bias, or racism is often overlooked within the medical professions that has real implications on the above-mentioned sociological factors and in turn birthing mortality rates. Institutional and grassroot methods to bring attention to these factors should be referenced for a more intentional approach to solving this social problem historically engrained in our medical institutions.

This thesis discusses the relationship between the experiences particular to the female body, namely pregnancy and childbirth, and the language employed to voice these experiences. This thesis is set up to reflect the physical cycle of pregnancy and birth. It is divided into three chapters. The first chapter discusses the desire for and the conception of a new use of language, a language equipped to carry the messages, creations, and voices of women. The conception of an expansion of language and the physical conception of a child are paralleled. In this chapter, poetry about wanting to write, wanting to become pregnant, and conception are used as examples of the emergence of the expanded language. In Chapter Two, the incubation of this new language is discussed, its many components and characteristics are described, and the discussion of the possible existence of a womens language is continued, by again analyzing a selection of poetry written by women. In this chapter, poetry about pregnancy and childbirth are used to exemplify the use of this language. The discussion of the gestation and birth of the expanded language with the physical gestation and birth of a child are paralleled. In Chapter Three, this notion of a womens language is further discussed, using poetry about new motherhood to demonstrate the effectiveness and existence of new ways to employ our given language. The discussion of what comes after the birth of a new, expanded language is paralleled with the experiences of a mother after the birth of her child. The ultimate conclusion of this thesis is that there is no one language that women do or should employ when writing, but a movement toward writing through the body when writing about the body, about experiences solely experienced by women.

This thesis discusses the relationship between the experiences particular to the female body, namely pregnancy and childbirth, and the language employed to voice these experiences. This thesis is set up to reflect the physical cycle of pregnancy and birth. It is divided into three chapters. The first chapter discusses the desire for and the conception of a new use of language, a language equipped to carry the messages, creations, and voices of women. The conception of an expansion of language and the physical conception of a child are paralleled. In this chapter, poetry about wanting to write, wanting to become pregnant, and conception are used as examples of the emergence of the expanded language. In Chapter Two, the incubation of this new language is discussed, its many components and characteristics are described, and the discussion of the possible existence of a womens language is continued, by again analyzing a selection of poetry written by women. In this chapter, poetry about pregnancy and childbirth are used to exemplify the use of this language. The discussion of the gestation and birth of the expanded language with the physical gestation and birth of a child are paralleled. In Chapter Three, this notion of a womens language is further discussed, using poetry about new motherhood to demonstrate the effectiveness and existence of new ways to employ our given language. The discussion of what comes after the birth of a new, expanded language is paralleled with the experiences of a mother after the birth of her child. The ultimate conclusion of this thesis is that there is no one language that women do or should employ when writing, but a movement toward writing through the body when writing about the body, about experiences solely experienced by women.

L’aménagement des maisons de naissance est actuellement en hausse sur le territoire québécois, pour répondre à la forte demande des femmes pour un service sage‐femme et également pour répondre au désir des femmes de donner naissance dans un milieu alternatif à l’hôpital ou à la maison. La problématique consiste à s’interroger sur la pertinence de l’environnement actuel des maisons de naissance, à savoir s’il soutient les besoins des femmes qui y donnent naissance, mais également si cet environnement affecte l’expérience d’accouchement des femmes, dans le but futur que les maisons de naissance soient parfaitement adaptées aux nécessités des femmes qui y accouchent. Cette problématique, axée sur la relation personne‐environnement avec point d’ancrage l’expérience sensible de l’usagère, est adressée en premier lieu par une analyse critique des maisons de naissance de Montréal, puis en analysant le discours des femmes, recueillis sous forme d’entretiens semi‐dirigés, pour en exprimer l’expérience d’accouchement en ces lieux. Se basant sur les principes d’études en relations personnes‐environnement, cette recherche vise ainsi à saisir les besoins relatifs au lieu de naissance à travers l’expérience sensible de la femme et des liens affectifs que tisse celle‐ci avec l’environnement lors de son accouchement, plus particulièrement au sein des maisons de naissance. Cette recherche vise également à saisir comment, à l’inverse, l’environnement de naissance affecte l’expérience de la femme lorsqu’elle donne naissance. Parmi les constats de cette recherche, nous réalisons que l’environnement affecte l’expérience d’accouchement dans une certaine mesure et qu’il aurait avantage à se faire des plus discret, afin de ne pas affecter la concentration des femmes durant leur travail. Cette « bulle » que les femmes se forment durant l’accouchement s’avère très importante dans le bon déroulement de la naissance; l’environnement devrait permettre et la mise en place de cette « bulle » et sa continuité jusqu’à la naissance de l’enfant. La poursuite des recherches sur le sujet pourrait entre autres mener à un modèle d’aménagement non rigide pour les maisons de naissance et pourrait également contribuer à l’amélioration des maisons de naissance existantes ainsi que celles à venir. / This paper presents a study about women and the birthing experiences within birthing houses and how the experience is a determinant factor in the visual and sensory aspects of birth environment design. This research study explores the impact of the birthing house environment on women’s experiences, by understanding these experiences and by identifying the needs of the birthing environment, specifically in birthing houses. The phenomenon of birthing houses is a relatively new social and cultural phenomenon in Quebec and the potential for understanding visual and sensory issues are interesting for the design of these houses, even greater when we think that more than a dozen new facilities are expected to be built in the next ten years. While the development of birthing houses is increasing, issues include responding to the high demand of women for midwifery services and their desire to give birth in an environment alternative to the hospital or their home. This research had as goals documenting both the physical conditions of the two only Birth Houses on Montreal’s territory while understanding and exploring the phenomenon of giving birth in these environments from the perspective of the mother. The study was conducted on a theoretical backdrop inspired by users‐centered theories. The methods include Van Manen’s phenomenological approach to glean the ways that corporality, temporality, relationality and spatiality underscore women’s experiences of birth within the birthing home environment (Van Manen, 1997). The study proceed with a two part data collection. First, an environment analysis and comparison of the birthing houses in Montreal; second, in depth interviews with women and midwife. The narrative of the participants were analyzed using Van Manen’s criteria, helping make sense of the diverse dimensions of the experience. The interpretative analysis of the in‐depth interviews was then compared with the visual analysis of the homes observed. Results show that most design elements do not play a major role during the active phase of labor unless these elements are in direct conflict with the needs of the women giving birth. For example, while women might be barely conscious of the environment, it will affect labour if women’s needs are not being met. Emergent issues include comfort, sense of self and how experiences are shaped by the surrounding environment. The study will be presented with examples of the birthing homes, issues as these emerged in the data analysis, and conclude with suggestions for best practices as these are revealed in the final analysis.

Pregnancy and childbirth complications are a leading cause of death and disability among women of reproductive age in developing countries. Worldwide data shows that, by choice or out of necessity, 60 percent of births in the developing world occur outside a health institution and 47 percent are assisted by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), family members, or without any assistance at all. This thesis argues that TBAs in India have the capacity to disseminate knowledge of beneficial maternal practices to the community. Since the 1970s the training of TBAs has been one of the primary single interventions encouraged by World Health Organisation (WHO) to address maternal mortality. However, since the 1990s international funding for TBAs has been reduced and the emphasis has shifted to providing skilled birth attendants for all births due to evidence that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in developing countries had not reduced. Researchers have observed that the shift in policy has taken place without adequate evidence of training (in)effectiveness and without an alternative policy in place. This thesis argues further that two main types of birthing knowledge co-exist in India; western biomedicine and traditional knowledge. Feminist, anthropological, and midwifery theorists contend that when two knowledge paradigms exist, western knowledge tends to dominate and claim authority over local ways of knowing. The thesis used such theories, and quantitative and qualitative methods, to assess whether the local TBA training programmes in Ahmednagar District in India have been successful in disseminating biomedical knowledge in relation to the birthing practices of local TBAs and in incorporating local knowledge into the training. The data revealed that some biomedical knowledge had been successfully disseminated and that some traditional practices continue to be practiced in the community. There is a top-down, one-sided imposition of biomedical knowledge on TBAs in the training programme but, at the local level, TBAs and mothers sometimes follow the training instructions and sometime do not, preferring to adapt to the local perceptions and preferences of their community. The thesis reveals the significance of TBA training in the district but queries the effectiveness of not including local TBA practices into the training programmes, arguing this demonstrates the hierarchical authority of biomedicine over local traditional practices. The thesis highlights the significance of community awareness that accompanies TBA training and makes recommendations in order to enhance training outcomes.

Clinical Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)