Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1986.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.N.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, School of Nursing, 2002. / Typescript. Bibliography: leaves143-152.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1986.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1993. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-74).

Thesis (Master of Health Policy and Administration)--Washington State University, May 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-45).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 259-265).

M.Cur. / This dissertation studies the labour experiences of parents who received childbirth preparation. At the moment, the extended family is no longer prevalent, and the teachings mothers passed to daughters has decreased dramatically. As more medical interventions alter the labour process, couples need to be more aware of what to expect. The trend for first time parents is to attend some kind of formal antenatal preparation. How relevant is this preparation? A qualitative study design was utilised to allow for exploration and description of the experience of labour. An audio recording was done as well as the subjects filling in a questionnaire. A pilot study with one couple was completed initially. Mothers in the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg were studied. They had given birth in private clinics in the area. The interviews were unstructured and conducted in English. The data once collected, was transcribed and analysed using cross case data analysis and classification according to common themes. Nursing for the Whole Person Theory was used as the paradigm and guide for analysis. The results are compared with the relevant literature which is presented in The results are displayed in various forms in the study and show a positive experience in women and men who attended antenatal preparation. Recommendations are made for the medical profession and presented in with the conclusions.

M.Cur. / The standard of care in midwifery services improves all the time. Because of this reason mothers are experiencing more of midwifery services and also of antenatal preparation services. This can be seen in the increasing demand for active birth, plychoprophlaxis and preparation for delivery. The higher the standard of antenatal preparation, the more positive the influence on the birthing process. Because of the isolation of the nuclear family from the traditional family and its recourcee, more pressure is put on professional people and other recources for formal antenatal preparation programs. Standards are therefore essential for effective antenatal preparation to ensure optimal care.