Effect of cognitive behavior therapy training and psychological nursing on the midwifery process in the delivery room

Qin Shi; Jie Wang; Dan Zhao; Ling-Yan Gu

doi:10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1053

Effect of cognitive behavior therapy training and psychological nursing on the midwifery process in the delivery room

World J Psychiatry. 2023 Dec 19;13(12):1053-1060. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1053.

Authors

Qin Shi¹, Jie Wang¹, Dan Zhao¹, Ling-Yan Gu²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215125, Jiangsu Province, China.
² Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215125, Jiangsu Province, China. 18761945891@163.com.

Abstract

Background: The severe physical and psychological impact of pain on the physical and mental health of women during labor leads to increased risks and complications during childbirth, presenting a major public health concern. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has a positive effect on maternal psychology during delivery, reducing stress and shortening labor time. Thus, CBT training for mothers and delivery room staff may be beneficial in minimizing complications and adverse effects during natural birth.

Aim: To investigate the clinical effects of CBT training and psychological care during delivery, and their therapeutic effects on women in labor.

Methods: This study used a retrospective analysis and included 140 mothers admitted to the maternity ward between January 2021 and January 2023. The study subjects were randomized into two groups: control (n = 70) and observation (n = 70). Routine care, CBT training, and psychological care were provided to mothers in both groups. Psychological status scores, delivery time, and satisfaction with care pre- and post-delivery were compared, and the incidence of complications after receiving care was analyzed between the two groups.

Results: Although the psychological state of both groups improved significantly in the late stages of labor, the psychological state scores of the mothers in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the mothers in the control group (P < 0.05). The duration of labor and incidence of complications in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The mothers in the observation group were significantly more satisfied with nursing care during the course of labor than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: CBT training and psychological care for mothers in the midwifery process can effectively improve anxiety and depression, shorten labor duration, reduce postnatal complications, and improve nursing satisfaction and nurse-patient relationships. Its clinical application is effective and has popularization value, providing a new way to protect maternal mental health.

Keywords: Childbirth; Cognitive behavior therapy; Cognitive behavior therapy training; Mental health; Psychological care.