The birth experience is a highly subjective phenomenon that leaves a lasting impression for mothers and their families and friends. Although the passage of a child from the mother's womb into the world is typically joyous, the experience is not always as positive. Negative physical and psychological factors may greatly impact a woman's impression of the childbirth experience. Among childbearing women, the two main concerns of childbirth are pain and safe management. Similarly among healthcare providers, management of labor pain is one of the main goals of maternity care. Pain is a highly subjective phenomenon that is expected during the birth experience. Pharmacologic interventions have significantly reduced pain perception, but have left many women dissatisfied with the overall birth experience due to their potential adverse effects. Energy therapies have been studied for their role in creating a positive birth experience in relation to pain. This literature review examines the empirical evidence and makes suggestions for research and practice regarding energy therapies during labor and childbirth published between 1986 and 2012. Energy therapies, specifically Reiki, Therapeutic touch (TT), and Healing touch (HT) were examined in regards to pain perception and the childbirth process. Although pharmacologic interventions have been successful in reducing some childbirth concerns, the addition of complementary therapies such as Reiki, TT, and/or HT provides a holistic approach to pain management during labor and childbirth.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:honorstheses1990-2015-2328 |
| Date | 01 August 2012 |
| Creators | Dinh, Cecilia |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | HIM 1990-2015 |
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