Preferences regarding the mode of delivery in occupational groups of nurses and midwives

Introduction: The rate of caesarean sections in Poland is constantly increasing. In Poland, the selection of the mode of delivery does not depend on the woman’s will; however, the preferences of childbearing women are shaped by their knowledge and beliefs related to the labour. The preferences of nurses and midwives may be shaped by the specificity of the work performed by them. Aim of the study: An analysis of the preferences related to the mode of delivery among occupational groups of nurses and midwives. Material and methods: The studies were carried out among 202 nurses and midwives using the diagnostic poll method and the survey questionnaire technique. Our own survey questionnaire and the Self-report Labour Anxiety Questionnaire (KLP II) were used. Results: The conducted studies demonstrated that 88.12% of midwives, compared to 75.25% nurses, prefer vaginal delivery. Midwives significantly more frequently (p = 0.005) than nurses indicated vaginal delivery as safer for the mother and for the child, and as allowing for faster recovery to normal physical fitness. For the nurses and midwives opting for the caesarean section, the most significant reasons were anxiety about perineal injuries and concern about the child’s health. The midwives, more frequently than nurses, declared the selection of non-pharmacological methods of alleviating pain. Conclusions: The practiced profession influences the decisions related to the preferred mode of delivery and to the interventions applied during labour. Labour anxiety is a feature that is more frequent among nurses.