Experiences of disabled women during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting services : implications for occupational therapy

Collins, B; Hall, J; Ireland, J; Hundley, V

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences
of women with physical and sensory disability during their
interaction with maternity services. The study was funded by a
national charity whose previous research identified that disabled
women had more negative experiences than non-disabled
women (Birthrights, 2013). This paper specifically discusses
implications for occupational therapy.
Two-phase, inter-professional mixed methods research
was used involving online surveys in phase 1 and narrative
interviews in phase 2. Recruitment was through disability
and parenting networks and social media. Survey data were
analysed descriptively and open questions were themed. Phase 2
telephone interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim
and analysed thematically.
Although overall satisfaction with care was scored highly in
phase 1, negative experiences were described. Key challenges
included a lack of continuity of carer; women feeling that
they were not being listened to; feeling they were treated less
favourably because of disability; and 56% feeling that maternity
care providers did not have appropriate attitudes to disability.
Interview themes echoed these, when women described
implications of not being listened to, including that their
judgement about their own bodies was ignored or undermined.
The research revealed that occupational therapists did
little to support women during this time. While some
occupational therapy input was described, this focused on
equipment provision. Minimal support with the occupations
of parenting was described. The results suggest a clear need
for interprofessional working and the need for occupational
therapists to liaise between midwifery staff and disabled women.

Citation

Collins, B., Hall, J., Ireland, J., & Hundley, V. Experiences of disabled women during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting services : implications for occupational therapy. Presented at RCOT 2017, ICC, Birmingham, United Kingdom

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: RCOT 2017
• Conference Location: ICC, Birmingham, United Kingdom
• End Date: Jun 20, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 1, 2017
• Publication Date: Jun 19, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jul 13, 2020
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617724785
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617724785
• Related Public URLs: https://www.rcot.co.uk/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference