Environmental factors influence pain perception
during labor. People present at the labor can either help the laboring
woman or be a detriment. Verbal and nonverbal communications, philosophy
of care, practice policies of providers, quality of support, degree of
strangeness of the facility, noise, lighting and temperature all affect
the experience of the laboring woman. How restrictive the environment is
in terms of space and ability to move within the space are also
important factors.
Helplessness and
suffering are experienced when individuals have insufficient resources
and are unable to cope. If a woman understands the origin of her pain
(cervical dilatation and fetal descent), views the eventual birth as
highly positive, and perceives labor and the accompanying pain as a
non-threatening life experience to overcome, she may experience pain but
will not suffer. These women are the ones who experience an increase in
self-esteem as a result of childbirth.
For more information about this and other subjects
related to preparing for childbirth,
read Motherwell® Maternity Fitness
Plan by Bonnie Berk, RN.
Copyright
2005 Bonnie Berk, Inc.
