Effectiveness of a Counseling Intervention Following a Traumatic Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Gamble, J., Creedy, D., Moyle, W., Webster, J., McAllister, M. and Dickson, P. (2005) Effectiveness of a Counseling Intervention Following a Traumatic Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Birth, 32 1: 11-19.


Author Gamble, J.
Creedy, D.
Moyle, W.
Webster, J.
McAllister, M.
Dickson, P.
Title Effectiveness of a Counseling Intervention Following a Traumatic Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal name Birth  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A*)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2005-03
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1111/j.0730-7659.2005.00340.x
Volume number 32
Issue number 1
ISSN 0730-7659: 1523-536X
Start page 11
End page 19
Total pages 9
Editor Diony Young
Place of publication Malden
Publisher Blackwell Science
Language eng
Subject 1110 Nursing
Abstract Adverse childbirth experiences can evoke fear and overwhelming anxiety for some women and precipitate posttraumatic stress disorder. The objective of this study was to assess a midwife-led brief counseling intervention for postpartum women at risk of developing psychological trauma symptoms. Method: Of 348 women screened for trauma symptoms, 103met inclusion criteria and were randomized into an intervention (n=50) or a control (n=53) group. The intervention group received face-to-face counseling within 72 hours of birth and again via telephone at 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. Main outcome measures were posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, self-blame, and confidence about a future pregnancy. Results: At 3-month follow-up, intervention group women reported decreased trauma symptoms, low relative risk of depression, low relative risk of stress, and low feelings of self-blame. Confidence about a future pregnancy was higher for these women than for control group women. Three intervention group women compared with 9 control group women met the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder at 3 months postpartum, but this result was not statistically significant. Discussion: A high prevalence of postpartum depression and trauma symptoms occurred after childbirth. Although most women improved over time, the intervention markedly affected participants’ trajectory toward recovery compared with women who did not receive counseling. Conclusions: A brief, midwife-led counseling intervention for women who report a distressing birth experience was effective in reducing symptoms of trauma, depression, stress, and feelings of self-blame. The intervention is within the scope of midwifery practice, caused no harm to participants, was perceived as helpful, and enhanced women’s confidence about a future pregnancy.
Keyword counseling
Intervention
Traumatic Childbirth
Q-Index Code C1

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) - Collection
School of Nursing and Midwifery Publications
 
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