Abstract:

To determine the knowledge and opinions of nurses and midwives working in gynecology clinics related to natural birth and interventions during birth.  The sampling of research comprised of 106 nurses and midwives working in Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinics of a hospital in Izmir. Data were collected between July and December 2016 using a data collection form that included socio-demographic characteristics of participants and questions about natural birth and interventions during birth developed in compliance with literature. Results: Sixty eight percent of nurses and midwives that they have heard the concept of natural birth before, 61.3% of them stated that their knowledge concerning natural birth was insufficient and 70. 8% wanted to get training about natural birth. When nurses' and midwives' opinions related to interventions used during birth were examined it was observed that half of them considered the following applications unnecessary; continuous fetal monitoring during birth (50.9%), restricting oral intake (48.1%) and routine parenteral fluid support (51.9%). Approximately two thirds found routine amniotomy (65.1%), routine oxytocin infusion (65.1%) and routine episiotomy (62.3%) unnecessary. The percentage of those who thought perineal shaving, enema and lithotomy position during labor was required, was detected to be 62.3% 49.1% and 42.5% respectively. A large majority of nurses and midwives thought that nonpharmacological pain management during labor should be used (75.5%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It was established that nurses' and midwives' knowledge related to the concept of natural birth was insufficient and they were not in consensus about interventions during birth. Especially they thought that perineal shaving and enema should be implemented routinely and lithotomy position should be preferred during labor.

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