Files and links (1)
Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Women's experiences of the transition phase of physiological labour during freebirth: A qualitative study
Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare, Vol.45, pp.1-8
2025
PMID: 40493981
Abstract
Purpose
There is a poverty of knowledge relating to the transition phase of labour and undisturbed childbirth physiology. This study explored women’s experiences of the transition phase of physiological labour during freebirth.
Background
Transition within physiological labour is described as a phase occurring as a woman ends the first stage of labour. The woman may display a range of signs and symptoms, including shaking, thirst, nausea, difficulty in communication, irritation, loss of control and inability to cope.
Aim
The study aimed to explore women’s experiences of the transition phase of physiological labour during an intended, unassisted labour and birth, known as freebirth.
Methods
A qualitative study design, using narrative inquiry was undertaken. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with women who had experienced physiological births in Australia without the presence of registered health practitioners, doulas or childbirth attendants (n = 10). Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken to identify themes and patterns.
Findings
Women experienced a physiological ‘peak intensity’ of labour that was individualised and nuanced. Three over-arching themes, inner world, outer world and other world, were conceptualised from data analysis. The inner world focussed on the somatic experience of labour. The outer world centred on the women’s perceptions of others and feelings of safety. The other world explored experiences of liminal space and oneness.
Conclusions
Findings support earlier studies regarding how women experience physiological processes and affirm that women experience the peak intensity of labour in individualised ways which are not reflected or supported in the common midwifery discourse. This study provides evidence about women’s experiences of physiological labour and insight into their dynamic inner, outer and other worlds. Further research is recommended into the freebirth experience in Australia from the perspective of childbirth physiology, and how the context of the birth setting, and midwifery practice may influence physiology and experience. It is also recommended that emergent knowledge on the altered states of consciousness and the sexual nature of birth be explored.
Details
- Title
- Women's experiences of the transition phase of physiological labour during freebirth: A qualitative study
- Authors
- Eleanor Young (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Academic Support UnitKaren-Ann Clarke - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingRachel Reed - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - LegacyCarolyn Hastie - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare, Vol.45, pp.1-8
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101115
- ISSN
- 1877-5764; 1877-5756
- PMID
- 40493981
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; Academic Support Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991136396902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
52 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites