PEREKOOLIS OSALEJATE JA LEKTORITE ARVAMUS SÜNNITUSEKS ETTEVALMISTUSEST
Perceptions of preparation for childbirth amongst lecturers and participants in prenatal classes
Kadri Otsalt, Janne Toomel, Marge Mahla
Abstract The purpose of the study was to explore the expectations and their fulfilment regarding preparation for childbirth and puerperium amongst pregnant women and their support persons who participated in antenatal classes, and lecturers’ evaluation of the effectiveness of prenatal education. The general aim of the prenatal class programme is to influence public health behaviour, increase self-confidence of women in pregnancy and childbirth management, and prepare women and their partners for childbirth. In Estonia, since the 1970ies -1980ies preparation for childbirth has mainly been carried out in the form of lectures and discussion groups in hospitals, antenatal care centres or some other structural units. In 2006 study methods for prenatal classes were developed with the support of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund and implemented in all the actively operating prenatal classes. Today all the healthcare institutions providing maternity care also offer prenatal classes. Activity and the topics covered in prenatal classes vary to a large extent depending on the preparation and work experience of the lecturers as well as on work organisation of the institution. A quantitative database was compiled using an electronic questionnaire developed on the basis of the Swedish prenatal class assessment model. The questionnaire was developed and adapted on the basis of the theoretical background and local cultural context. Two groups of subjects were formed: participants in
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