A proposta de locais alternativos para assistência ao parto e nascimento, em nosso país, faz parte da abordagem deste evento como processos familiares e fisiológicos. Dentre esses locais destacam-se os Centros de Parto Normal, instituídos como uma política do Ministério da Saúde, desde 1999. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever as características sociodemográficas, as condições obstétricas na admissão, a prevalência das práticas obstétricas utilizadas no trabalho de parto e parto, as condições maternas e neonatais no parto e a prevalência das práticas utilizadas nos recém-nascidos, em um centro de parto peri-hospitalar do Município de São Paulo. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com coleta retrospectiva de dados, entre 2003 e 2006, com amostra probabilística de 991 prontuários. A coleta dos dados foi realizada no período de junho a outubro de 2007, pela pesquisadora e duas enfermeiras obstétricas. Os dados foram armazenados em um banco de dados com auxílio do programa Epi-info versão 2.000, sendo realizada análise descritiva. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Hospital Geral do Itaim Paulista. Os resultados demonstram as seguintes características sociodemográficas: média de idade de 23,6 anos, com desvio-padrão de 5,6 anos e maioria de oito ou mais anos de estudo (76,6% das mulheres). Na admissão, 46,3% eram nulíparas e 77,8% estavam com membranas íntegras, 53,0%, com 5 a 9 cm de dilatação cervical e 4,3% foram internadas no período expulsivo. As práticas mais utilizadas no parto foram: banho de aspersão (71%), amniotomia (62,6%) e episiotomia (25,7%). Condições maternas no parto foram: períneo íntegro em 42,1%, laceração de primeiro grau em 22,4%; 92,2% tiveram acompanhante, sendo, mais frequentemente, o companheiro. O peso médio do neonato foi 3.221,4 gramas, com desvio-padrão de 392,9 gramas; 7,9% apresentaram mecônio no período expulsivo e 98,6% tiveram índice de Apgar 7 no primeiro minuto. Conclui-se que o modelo de assistência praticado no Centro de Parto Normal apresenta resultados maternos e perinatais esperados para mulheres com baixo risco obstétrico, sendo alternativa segura e um modelo menos intervencionista que pode auxiliar no resgate da fisiologia do parto e nascimento / The proposed alternative places for the delivery and childbirth care, in Brazil, is a part of the approach of these events as family and physiological processes. Among these services there are the Normal Birth Centers, instituted as a policy of the Ministry of Health, since 1999. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric conditions at admission, the prevalence of obstetric practices used in labor and delivery, maternal and neonatal conditions in labor and prevalence of practices used in newborns, in an alongside Normal Birth Center in São Paulo. It is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, between 2003 and 2006 with random sample of 991 records. Data collection was conducted during June-October 2007, by the researcher and two obstetric nurses. The data were stored in a database using Epi-Info 2000 version, with descriptive analysis. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the General Hospital of Itaim Paulista. The results show the following sociodemographic characteristics: average age of 23.6 years, with a standard deviation of 5.6 years and majority of eight or more years of study (76.6% women). On admission, 46.3% were nulliparous and 77.8% were with intact membranes, 53.0% with 5 to 9 cm of cervical dilation and 4.3% were hospitalized during expulsion period. The most widely practices used during the labor were: shower bath (71%), artificial rupture of the membranes (62.6%) and episiotomy (25.7%). Maternal conditions during delivery were 42.1% with intact perineum, first-degree lacerations in 22.4%, 92.2% had birthing partner, most often the stable companion. The average weight of newborns was 3221.4 grams, with standard deviation of 392.9 g, 7.9% had meconium during expulsion period and 98.6% had Apgar index of 7 in the first minute. The conclusion was that the model of care practiced at the Normal Birth Center presents maternal and perinatal outcomes expected for women with obstetric low risk, it is a safe alternative and a less interventionist model that can help in the ransom of the physiology of labor and birth

This thesis examines obstetric violence in Greece through the lens of feminist phenomenology.It focuses on two key questions: how women as embodied subjects experience obstetricviolence and how this event impacts their relationship with their bodies and significant others.This study employs a qualitative methodology, distributing an online survey in six onlinecommunities and using voluntary response and snowball sampling to recruit participants. Itincludes 63 valid participations and utilizes thematic analysis for the analysis of the data. Theresults reveal the obstetric malpractices performed in Greece and their connection to thepatriarchal social construction of the birthing woman (and her body) as a disempoweredsubject. Many feelings have been described in the survey, both distressful and empowering.The role of the community is crucial in dealing with traumatic emotions, while a physical andemotional connection with the newborn and the husband, which is not always easy to beestablished, acts as an empowering factor in women’s lives.

Problématique : Le concept d’« Hôpital promoteur de santé » (HPS) a émergé dans le sillon de la Charte d’Ottawa (1986) qui plaide notamment pour une réorientation des services de santé vers des services plus promoteurs de santé. Il cible la santé des patients, du personnel, de la communauté et de l’organisation elle-même. Dans le cadre de la réforme du système de santé au Québec qui vise à rapprocher les services de la population et à faciliter le cheminement de toute personne au sein d’un réseau local de services de santé et de services sociaux (RLS), l’adoption du concept HPS semble constituer une fenêtre d’opportunité pour les CHU, désormais inclus dans des réseaux universitaires intégrés de soins de santé et rattachés aux RLS, pour opérer des changements organisationnels majeurs. Face au peu de données scientifiques sur l’implantation des dimensions des projets HPS, les établissements de santé ont besoin d’être accompagnés dans ce processus par le développement de stratégies claires et d’outils concrets pour soutenir l’implantation. Notre étude porte sur le premier CHU à Montréal qui a décidé d’adopter le concept et d’implanter notamment un projet pilote HPS au sein de son centre périnatal. Objectifs : Les objectifs de la thèse sont 1) d’analyser la théorie d’intervention du projet HPS au sein du centre périnatal; 2) d’analyser l’implantation du projet HPS et; 3) d’explorer l’intérêt de l’évaluation développementale pour appuyer le processus d’implantation. Méthodologie : Pour mieux comprendre l’implantation du projet HPS, nous avons opté pour une étude de cas qualitative. Nous avons d’abord analysé la théorie d’intervention, en procédant à une revue de la littérature dans le but d’identifier les caractéristiques du projet HPS ainsi que les conditions nécessaires à son implantation. En ce qui concerne l’analyse d’implantation, notre étude de cas unique a intégré deux démarches méthodologiques : l’une visant à apprécier le niveau d’implantation et l’autre, à analyser les facteurs facilitants et les contraintes. Enfin, nous avons exploré l’intérêt d’une évaluation développementale pour appuyer le processus d’implantation. À partir d’un échantillonnage par choix raisonnés, les données de l’étude de cas ont été collectées auprès d’informateurs clés, des promoteurs du projet HPS, des gestionnaires, des professionnels et de couples de patients directement concernés par l’implantation du projet HPS au centre périnatal. Une analyse des documents de projet a été effectuée et nous avons procédé à une observation participante dans le milieu. Résultats : Le premier article sur l’analyse logique présente les forces et les faiblesses de la mise en oeuvre du projet HPS au centre périnatal et offre une meilleure compréhension des facteurs susceptibles d’influencer l’implantation. Le second article apprécie le niveau d’implantation des quatre dimensions du projet HPS. Grâce à la complémentarité des différentes sources utilisées, nous avons réussi à cerner les réussites globales, les activités partiellement implantées ou en cours d’implantation et les activités reposant sur une théorie d’intervention inadéquate. Le troisième article met en évidence l’influence des caractéristiques de l’intervention, des contextes externe et interne, des caractéristiques individuelles sur le processus d’implantation à partir du cadre d’analyse de l’implantation développé par Damschroder et al. (2009). Enfin, le dernier article présente les défis rencontrés par la chercheure dans sa tentative d’utilisation de l’évaluation développementale et propose des solutions permettant d’anticiper les difficultés liées à l’intégration des exigences de recherche et d’utilisation. Conclusion : Cette thèse contribue à enrichir la compréhension de l’implantation du projet HPS dans les établissements de santé et, particulièrement, en contexte périnatal. Les résultats obtenus sont intéressants pour les chercheurs et les gestionnaires d’hôpitaux ou d’établissements de santé qui souhaitent implanter ou évaluer les projets HPS dans leurs milieux. / Problem: The concept of health promoting hospitals (HPH) emerged in the wake of the 1986 Ottawa Charter, which notably calls for the reorientation of health services toward more health promoting services. The concept targets the health of patients, staff, the community and the organization itself. In the context of Quebec’s health system reform that aims to bring services closer to the population and facilitates the journey of any person within a local network of health and social services (RLS), the adoption of the HPH concept appears to be a window of opportunity for teaching hospitals, now included in integrated university health care networks (RUIS) and linked to RLS, to carry out major organizational changes. Given the paucity of evidence regarding implementation of the different dimensions of HPH projects, there is a need for health care facilities to be accompanied in this process through the development of clear-cut strategies and practical tools in order to support implementation. Our study will focus on the first university hospital in Montreal that decided to adopt the concept and implement a HPH pilot project within its perinatal centre. Objectives: The objectives of this thesis are 1) to analyse the intervention theory underlying the HPH project; 2) to analyse the implementation of the HPH project; and 3) to explore the potential of developmental evaluation as a means of supporting the implementation process. Methods: To better understand the implementation of the HPS project, we opted for a qualitative case study. We first analyzed the theory of intervention by conducting a literature review in order to identify the characteristics of an HPS project as well as the conditions necessary for its implementation. Then, as regards the implementation analysis, our single case study had two methodological approaches: one to assess the level of implementation and the other to analyze facilitators and barriers to implementation. Finally, we explored the interest of using developmental evaluation to support the implementation process. Based on purposeful sampling, data of the case study were collected from key informants, HPH project promoters, managers, professionals and couples of patients directly concerned by the HPH project implementation in the perinatal centre. A documentary analysis of project documents has been done and participant observation was conducted in the setting. Results: The first article is about a logical analysis that presents the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation of the HPH project within the birthing centre, and offers a deeper comprehension of the factors likely to influence implementation. The second article assesses the level of implementation of the four dimensions of the HPH project. The complementarity of the different sources used allowed us to identify global successes, activities that were implemented only partially or still in the process of implementation, and activities that were based on an inadequate intervention theory. The third article shows the influence of intervention characteristics, outer and inner settings, and individual characteristics upon the implementation process, using the consolidated framework for implementation research developed by Damschroder et al. (2009). The fourth and final article highlights the challenges encountered by the researcher in attempting to use developmental evaluation, and puts forth solutions that will enable researchers to anticipate the difficulties that can emerge from integrating the demands of research and of utilization. Conclusion: This thesis contributes to the understanding of HPH project implementation in health care facilities, particularly within a perinatal care context. The results we have obtained are of interest to researchers as well as hospital or health care facility administrators who wish to implement or evaluate HPH projects.

Problématique : Le concept d’« Hôpital promoteur de santé » (HPS) a émergé dans le sillon de la Charte d’Ottawa (1986) qui plaide notamment pour une réorientation des services de santé vers des services plus promoteurs de santé. Il cible la santé des patients, du personnel, de la communauté et de l’organisation elle-même. Dans le cadre de la réforme du système de santé au Québec qui vise à rapprocher les services de la population et à faciliter le cheminement de toute personne au sein d’un réseau local de services de santé et de services sociaux (RLS), l’adoption du concept HPS semble constituer une fenêtre d’opportunité pour les CHU, désormais inclus dans des réseaux universitaires intégrés de soins de santé et rattachés aux RLS, pour opérer des changements organisationnels majeurs. Face au peu de données scientifiques sur l’implantation des dimensions des projets HPS, les établissements de santé ont besoin d’être accompagnés dans ce processus par le développement de stratégies claires et d’outils concrets pour soutenir l’implantation. Notre étude porte sur le premier CHU à Montréal qui a décidé d’adopter le concept et d’implanter notamment un projet pilote HPS au sein de son centre périnatal. Objectifs : Les objectifs de la thèse sont 1) d’analyser la théorie d’intervention du projet HPS au sein du centre périnatal; 2) d’analyser l’implantation du projet HPS et; 3) d’explorer l’intérêt de l’évaluation développementale pour appuyer le processus d’implantation. Méthodologie : Pour mieux comprendre l’implantation du projet HPS, nous avons opté pour une étude de cas qualitative. Nous avons d’abord analysé la théorie d’intervention, en procédant à une revue de la littérature dans le but d’identifier les caractéristiques du projet HPS ainsi que les conditions nécessaires à son implantation. En ce qui concerne l’analyse d’implantation, notre étude de cas unique a intégré deux démarches méthodologiques : l’une visant à apprécier le niveau d’implantation et l’autre, à analyser les facteurs facilitants et les contraintes. Enfin, nous avons exploré l’intérêt d’une évaluation développementale pour appuyer le processus d’implantation. À partir d’un échantillonnage par choix raisonnés, les données de l’étude de cas ont été collectées auprès d’informateurs clés, des promoteurs du projet HPS, des gestionnaires, des professionnels et de couples de patients directement concernés par l’implantation du projet HPS au centre périnatal. Une analyse des documents de projet a été effectuée et nous avons procédé à une observation participante dans le milieu. Résultats : Le premier article sur l’analyse logique présente les forces et les faiblesses de la mise en oeuvre du projet HPS au centre périnatal et offre une meilleure compréhension des facteurs susceptibles d’influencer l’implantation. Le second article apprécie le niveau d’implantation des quatre dimensions du projet HPS. Grâce à la complémentarité des différentes sources utilisées, nous avons réussi à cerner les réussites globales, les activités partiellement implantées ou en cours d’implantation et les activités reposant sur une théorie d’intervention inadéquate. Le troisième article met en évidence l’influence des caractéristiques de l’intervention, des contextes externe et interne, des caractéristiques individuelles sur le processus d’implantation à partir du cadre d’analyse de l’implantation développé par Damschroder et al. (2009). Enfin, le dernier article présente les défis rencontrés par la chercheure dans sa tentative d’utilisation de l’évaluation développementale et propose des solutions permettant d’anticiper les difficultés liées à l’intégration des exigences de recherche et d’utilisation. Conclusion : Cette thèse contribue à enrichir la compréhension de l’implantation du projet HPS dans les établissements de santé et, particulièrement, en contexte périnatal. Les résultats obtenus sont intéressants pour les chercheurs et les gestionnaires d’hôpitaux ou d’établissements de santé qui souhaitent implanter ou évaluer les projets HPS dans leurs milieux. / Problem: The concept of health promoting hospitals (HPH) emerged in the wake of the 1986 Ottawa Charter, which notably calls for the reorientation of health services toward more health promoting services. The concept targets the health of patients, staff, the community and the organization itself. In the context of Quebec’s health system reform that aims to bring services closer to the population and facilitates the journey of any person within a local network of health and social services (RLS), the adoption of the HPH concept appears to be a window of opportunity for teaching hospitals, now included in integrated university health care networks (RUIS) and linked to RLS, to carry out major organizational changes. Given the paucity of evidence regarding implementation of the different dimensions of HPH projects, there is a need for health care facilities to be accompanied in this process through the development of clear-cut strategies and practical tools in order to support implementation. Our study will focus on the first university hospital in Montreal that decided to adopt the concept and implement a HPH pilot project within its perinatal centre. Objectives: The objectives of this thesis are 1) to analyse the intervention theory underlying the HPH project; 2) to analyse the implementation of the HPH project; and 3) to explore the potential of developmental evaluation as a means of supporting the implementation process. Methods: To better understand the implementation of the HPS project, we opted for a qualitative case study. We first analyzed the theory of intervention by conducting a literature review in order to identify the characteristics of an HPS project as well as the conditions necessary for its implementation. Then, as regards the implementation analysis, our single case study had two methodological approaches: one to assess the level of implementation and the other to analyze facilitators and barriers to implementation. Finally, we explored the interest of using developmental evaluation to support the implementation process. Based on purposeful sampling, data of the case study were collected from key informants, HPH project promoters, managers, professionals and couples of patients directly concerned by the HPH project implementation in the perinatal centre. A documentary analysis of project documents has been done and participant observation was conducted in the setting. Results: The first article is about a logical analysis that presents the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation of the HPH project within the birthing centre, and offers a deeper comprehension of the factors likely to influence implementation. The second article assesses the level of implementation of the four dimensions of the HPH project. The complementarity of the different sources used allowed us to identify global successes, activities that were implemented only partially or still in the process of implementation, and activities that were based on an inadequate intervention theory. The third article shows the influence of intervention characteristics, outer and inner settings, and individual characteristics upon the implementation process, using the consolidated framework for implementation research developed by Damschroder et al. (2009). The fourth and final article highlights the challenges encountered by the researcher in attempting to use developmental evaluation, and puts forth solutions that will enable researchers to anticipate the difficulties that can emerge from integrating the demands of research and of utilization. Conclusion: This thesis contributes to the understanding of HPH project implementation in health care facilities, particularly within a perinatal care context. The results we have obtained are of interest to researchers as well as hospital or health care facility administrators who wish to implement or evaluate HPH projects.

Introdução: Os traumas perineais são um dos problemas mais frequentes durante o parto e podem afetar a saúde da mulher, interferindo em sua mobilidade, eliminação vesical e intestinal, cuidados gerais ao recém-nascido (RN) e outras atividades diárias. O local do nascimento, os profissionais que prestam assistência à mulher e as intervenções no parto influenciam a ocorrência do trauma perineal. Os centros de parto normal (CPN) favorecem a adoção de práticas para humanizar o parto e nascimento, respeitam sua fisiologia, a autonomia da mulher e dessa forma contribuem para o cuidado perineal. Objetivos: 1) Verificar a prevalência e o grau de lacerações perineais; 2) Analisar a relação entre a ocorrência e o grau da laceração perineal e as variáveis maternas, neonatais e assistenciais; 3) Analisar a relação entre o grau da laceração perineal e a prevalência do reparo perineal; 4) Analisar a relação entre a realização da sutura perineal e a prevalência de complicações na cicatrização perineal; 5) Verificar a prevalência do uso de métodos naturais no cuidado perineal após o parto. Método: Estudo transversal, com coleta de dados nos prontuários das mulheres que deram à luz no CPN peri-hospitalar Casa Angela, em São Paulo, SP, de janeiro de 2016 a junho de 2017 (n=415). Como exposição, foram considerados: idade materna, cor da pele, parto vaginal anterior, uso de ocitocina, compressa morna, posição no parto, duração do período expulsivo, distocia de ombros, peso e perímetro cefálico do RN, parto na água, grau de laceração perineal e reparo perineal. Como desfechos, foram considerados: laceração perineal, grau da laceração perineal, reparo perineal e complicações no processo de cicatrização. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial. O erro tipo I adotado foi de 5%. As variáveis com valor-p <0,20 foram inseridas em um modelo de análise múltipla. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo. Resultados: A prevalência de lacerações de primeiro e segundo graus foi de 61,9% e 26,3%, respectivamente. O períneo manteve-se íntegro em 11,8% das mulheres e não houve nenhuma episiotomia. As variáveis relacionadas com aumento da ocorrência e do grau das lacerações perineais foram: idade materna (aumento de 4% na chance para cada ano); período expulsivo do parto acima de 2 horas (2,8 vezes mais chance). Os fatores que se mostraram protetores contra a ocorrência e maior grau das lacerações foram: número de partos vaginais anteriores (redução 56% na chance para cada parto); posição materna diferente da vertical durante o parto (redução de 51% a 67% na chance, para as posições sentada, semi-sentada, quatro apoios e lateral). O reparo perineal foi realizado em 16% e 70,6% das mulheres com lacerações de primeiro e segundo graus, respectivamente. As complicações perineais predominantes foram o edema (53,6%) e a dor (29,4%) e reparo aumentou a chance dessas complicações (OR=2,5; 95%IC 1,5-4,3). A compressa de gelo no períneo foi usada em 53,8% das mulheres no pós-parto e a de calêndula em 36,6% delas. Conclusão: Fatores maternos e de assistência ao parto contribuíram para o aumento ou a redução da prevalência e grau da laceração perineal. Houve predomínio das lacerações de primeiro grau, reparadas em um número reduzido de mulheres. Quando o reparo perineal foi realizado, foi maior a frequência de complicações no processo de cicatrização, independentemente do grau da laceração. Os métodos naturais para o cuidado perineal foram usados em pouco mais da metade das mulheres. / Introduction: Perineal trauma often occurs during labour and can affect women\'s health by interfering with her mobility, bladder and bowel elimination, general newborn (NB) care and other daily activities. Place of birth, caregivers, and labour and delivery interventions influence the occurrence of perineal trauma. The birth centres (BC) favour the adoption practices to humanize the birth assistance, respecting its physiology, the womens autonomy and thus contribute to the perineal care. Objectives: 1) To verify the prevalence and degree of perineal trauma; 2) To analyse the relationship between the occurrence and degree of perineal trauma and maternal, neonatal and assistance variables; 3) To analyse the relationship between the degree of perineal trauma and the prevalence of perineal repair; 4) To analyse the relationship between the perineal suture and the prevalence of complications in perineal healing; 5) To verify the prevalence of the use of natural methods in perineal care after childbirth. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with data collection from the records of women who gave birth at Casa Angela alongside BC, in São Paulo, SP, from January 2016 to June 2017 (n=415). As exposure were considered: maternal age, skin colour, previous vaginal delivery, oxytocin use, warm compress, birth position, duration of the second stage of birth, shoulder dystocia, weight and head circumference of the newborn, water birth, degree of perineal trauma and perineal repair. As outcomes were considered: perineal trauma, degree of perineal trauma, perineal repair and complications in the healing process. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The type I error was 5%. The variables with p-value <0.20 were inserted in the multiple analysis model. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing of the University of São Paulo. Results: The prevalence of first and second degree trauma was 61.9% and 26.3%, respectively. The perineum remained intact in 11.8% of the women and there was no episiotomy. The variables related to increased chance of occurrence and degree of perineal trauma were: maternal age (each year increase 4% in chance); duration of the second stage of birth over 2 hours (2.8 times more chance). The factors that were protective against the chance of perineal trauma occurrence and second degree trauma were: number of previous vaginal deliveries (for each delivery, 56% chance reduction); maternal birth position (reduction from 51% to 67% of the chance for sitting, semi-seated, squads and lateral). Perineal repair was performed in 16% and 70.6% of women with first and second degree trauma, respectively. The predominant perineal complications were oedema (53.6%) and pain (29.4%) and repair increased the chance of these complications (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.5-4.3). The perineum ice pack was used in 53,8% and calendula compress in 36,6% of postpartum women. Conclusion: Maternal and childbirth factors contributed to increase or decrease the prevalence and degree of perineal trauma. There was a predominance of first degree trauma, which was repaired in few women. When the perineal repair was performed, the frequency of complications in the healing process was higher, independent of the degree trauma. Natural methods for perineal care were used in more than half of women.

The birth of a child is a life-changing event in a woman's life. However, women's subjective experiences of giving birth have not been extensively researched, while the literature reflects an inherent realist approach. This has resulted in a decontextualised account of this critical event in women's lives. This conceptual study discusses the body of knowledge on the birthing experience from a widened perspective that includes not only the birthing woman, but also the people she interacts with and the context in which birth is embedded. The study comments on the way birth is managed in technological society and how its inherent Newtonian epistemology impacts on a woman's experience of birth. Ecosystemic epistemology is presented as an alternative approach which provides an holistic understanding of this experience. A reconceptualisation is proposed which acknowledges the social construction of birth. Lastly, the alternative birth movement as a more holistic approach to birth is discussed

The Suffolk is the most well-known of the English lowland sheep breeds. A black-faced sheep with short-stapled wool, the breed is used primarily for meat production. The Suffolk is classified as one of the breeds with the best ability to fatten and its meat yield is approximately 60%. The breed is characterised by its good adaptability to different climate and breeding conditions and overall good health. The ewes are known for their high fertility rate, shorter oestrus cycle, excellent maternal instincts, and high milk production. As a result of these characteristics, the Suffolk has become a very popular breed around the world. This thesis focuses on the breeding of Suffolk sheep as one of the best breeds for the production of slaughter lambs. The thesis also looks at reproduction as a part of sheep breeding, as well as at the factors that have an effect on pregnancy, the birthing process, and the newborn lamb. The main objective of this thesis was to process the lambing data for a specific herd of Suffolk sheep, including performing an evaluation of the basic reproductive indicators, calculating the birth weight of lambs, and determining the ideal age for including ewes in the breeding herd. The basic reproductive indicators include fertility, fertilisation, breeding intensity, and weaned lamb production. In the studied herd of sheep, these indicators were calculated as follows: fertility 182%; fertilisation 91%; breeding intensity 155%; and weaned lamb production 159%. The average birth weight of the lambs was 3.9 kg and the average optimal age for inclusion in the breeding herd was determined to be 17.5 months.

Many babies are delivered by using the standard lithotomy birthing position. However, evidence shows several benefits to an upright birthing position. The purpose of this study is to discover birthing positions that lead to more positive outcomes in laboring women delivering in hospitals. This research was conducted by examining previous studies conducted on a similar topic. However, the studies found mainly focused on the benefits of squatting positions and the implementation of devices that helps achieve an upright position. All findings support an upright birthing position provides a more optimal position for birthing a child due to the force of a more natural pelvic expansion and gravity. One of the barriers of this area of study includes the lack of pregnant mothers willing to participate in a study skewing the reliability of many studies. In conclusion, the articles analyzed provide pertinent information that supports the intervention of nurses and midwives providing patient education to explore birthing options outside of standard practice that could lead to more positive outcomes.

Clinical Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

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.