Guidelines for midwives in offering holistic-focused antenatal classes to pregnant women undertaking prenatal exercises in a private nursing practice in Cape Town

Abstract

Pregnant women should feel safe, comfortable, and positive during the childbirth experience. Physical exercise during pregnancy can assist a woman to stay in shape and prepare herself for labour. Prenatal exercises (PNEs) are thus widely endorsed for pregnant women, especially in the private healthcare sector. The holistic wellbeing of a woman – embracing the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual dimensions – should not be underestimated in considerations of maternal health can be enhanced by exercise. This study is concerned with pregnant women’s experience of PNEs in a private prenatal facility in Durbanville, Cape Town, with a view to developing guidelines for midwives offering holistic antenatal classes. A descriptive phenomenological research design was followed, rooted in the philosophy of appreciative inquiry. This involved conducting individual interviews after informed consent was obtained from participants. Heterogenic purposive sampling was conducted with participants who were at various stages of their pregnancy and had attended the exercises more than twice at the antenatal clinic. Data saturation determined the size of the sample of participants, with seven interviews being conducted. An interview guide with semi-structured questions was used and interviews – conducted in a private room – took no longer than 30 to 40 minutes. Fieldnotes were made with a digital recorder. Data analysis ensued, after the method of Colazzi (1978). Principles of trustworthiness and ethics were integrated throughout the research process. The findings indicated that pregnant women were satisfied with the antenatal classes and experienced them as beneficial for them and their unborn children. A trusting relationship was formed with the midwife who led the holistic exercises. Participants felt a sense of emotional security as their feelings as pregnant women were recognised and supported. Women found social joy in being together with others in a similar condition, with whom they could share their experiences and emotions. They developed a sense of belonging that enhanced their welfare. It was concluded that a safe and informative environment should be created by a competent midwife, in which pregnant women could be themselves and develop a bond with others in an enjoyable journey towards being holistically prepared for childbirth.