Effects of Midwifery Psychoeducational Intervention on Reducing the Number of Cesarean Sections Due to Tokophobia

Abstract

The purpose of the current review was to underline the beneficiary effect that the appropriate midwifery psychoeducational intervention can have, on the reduction of the number of cesarean sections that are attributed to tokophobia (fear of childbirth). The research data available so far show that pregnant women who attend midwifery psychoeducation and maternal preparation classes (both prepartum and postpartum) tend to better recognize, understand and interpret their deep and personal feelings and beliefs regarding gestation, labor and motherhood, thus being able to experience less intense anxiety and fear for the upcoming labor, as well as to be ready to ask for the appropriate help or information whenever needed. Additionally, midwifery intervention proves to be valuable in terms of highlighting the stronger emotional bonding that vaginal delivery will naturally bring between mother and newborn -which serves as an extra factor that encourages women’s choice in favor of vaginal delivery. In that context, most psychoeducated women can documentedly and more confidently choose vaginal delivery over cesarean section, and have higher possibilities of enjoying an overall better quality of life -both prenatally and postnatally.