The following study, which involved our CISeAL researcher Venus Medina, analyzes how Ecuadorian women perceive nursing support and the use of non-pharmacological strategies to relieve pain during labor. Through a qualitative approach carried out at the Nueva Aurora Gyneco-Obstetric Pediatric Hospital in Quito, the experiences of 21 women in the immediate postpartum period were collected, revealing that interventions such as guided breathing, walking, sphere therapy, music therapy, and emotional support significantly contributed to transforming childbirth into a more tolerable, safe, and humanized experience. The findings show that participants not only perceived a reduction in pain and anxiety, but also experienced a greater sense of autonomy, calmness, and connection with their newborns.

In addition, the study highlights the fundamental role of nursing staff, whose work was valued not only for their technical competencies, but also for their ability to provide empathy, guidance, and continuous support throughout the process. Among the identified benefits were early bonding, timely initiation of breastfeeding, and a more positive emotional recovery for mothers. The research reinforces the importance of strengthening healthcare professionals’ training in humanized care and non-pharmacological pain management measures, providing contextualized evidence on how these practices improve the childbirth experience and promote obstetric care centered on women’s dignity and well-being.

💭 How can human support transform one of the most intense experiences in life? Find out by reading the full article at:
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1n5Dc418DRJsgP