Partum Mothers' Experience Regarding Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the experiences of mothers giving birth with regard to family support and the assistance of health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed for this research, following the framework standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR). Thirteen individuals participated in the study, comprising seven mothers giving birth, three husbands, two midwives, and one parent. The research was conducted at the Mlati II Health Center in Sleman Regency, specifically in Cabakan Hamlet, Sumberadi, Kec. Mlati, Kab. Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, during January-February 2022. The choice of location was based on specific criteria set by the researchers. Data collection took place online due to practical reasons, with informants being contacted to choose between online or offline interviews. Purposive sampling was used for informant selection, and in-depth interviews lasting approximately one hour each were conducted via WhatsApp, Zoom, or phone calls, with prior agreement from the informants. The interviews followed a semi-structured format. Results: Two main themes emerged from the data analysis: the emotional experiences of mothers during labor and their various needs. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, tension, and the need for comfort and confidence. These psychological needs were categorized into verbal support, including encouragement, communication, and reassurance, as well as tactile support, involving gestures such as stroking, holding, and back rubs. Mothers also expressed spiritual needs, such as prayer and maintaining positive thoughts for a smooth delivery and the health of the baby. Nutritional needs, encompassing healthy and balanced eating, were identified as essential during childbirth. Support from husbands, family members, and health workers played a crucial role in reassuring mothers and educating them about COVID-19 prevention, contributing to a positive birthing experience. Conclusion: The provision of positive support during childbirth can facilitate a normal delivery and instill confidence in mothers. Keywords: childbirth, covid-19 pandemic, experience, maternity, support.                                                                     Abstrak Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui pengalaman ibu bersalin mengenai dukungan keluarga dan tenaga kesehatan selama pandemi covid-19. Metode: Desain penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan fenomenologi deskriptif sehingga untuk melengkapi pelaporan menggunakan framework standards for reporting qualitative research a synthesis of recommendations (SRQR). Jumlah informan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu 13 orang, yang terdiri dari 7 ibu bersalin, 3 suami, 2 bidan dan 1 orang tua. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Puskesmas Mlati II di Kabupaten Sleman, di Dusun Cabakan, Sumberadi, Kec. Mlati, Kab. Sleman Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Januari-Februari 2022, alasan pemilihan tempat ini adalah berdasarkan kriteria peneliti. Metode dalam penelitian dilakukan secara online. Peneliti memiliki beberapa alasan praktis untuk mengumpulkan data secara online. Peneliti menghubungi informan untuk menanyakan apakah bersedia di wawanacara secara online atau offline. Rekruitmen informan pada penelitian ini menggunakan purposive sampling. Peneliti melakukan indepth interview dengan informan secara online melalui media whatsapp, zoom dan telepon seluler kurang lebih satu jam tiap individu dengan perjanjian terlebih dahulu dengan informan.Wawancara yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini semi structure. Hasil: Didapatkan 2 tema yaitu tanda-tanda persalinan dan kebutuhan ibu bersalin. Dampak pandemi covid-19 membuat ibu merasa was-was atau kekhawatiran, takut dan cemas, tegang, berusaha nyaman, berusaha tenang dan rasa percaya diri. Kebutuhan psikologis ini terbagi menjadi dua bagian yaitu dukungan secara verbal dan dukungan secara sentuhan. Dukungan secara verbal seperti menyemangati, di ajak ngobrol, memberikan dukungan, mendampingi, ramah, komunasi, percaya diri, siaga, pelayanan bagus, harus kuat, menyayangi dan perhatian. Dukungan secara sentuhan seperti di elus-elus, mengusap keringat, pegang kepala, menggosok-gosok punggung dan menggosok perut.Kebutuhan spiritual yang didapatkan ibu selama proses persalinan yaitu zikir, berdoa, dan selali berpikir positif agar persalinan lancar dan bayi sehat. Kebutuhan nutrisi ibu bersalin seperti makan-makanan yang sehat, makanan bergizi seimbang, minum air putih untuk tenaga mengejan. Dukungan yang diberikan oleh suami, keluarga dan tenaga kesehatan membuat ibu merasa tenang dan mendapatkan edukasi terhadap penyebaran covid-19 agar mendapatkan persalinan yang positif. Kesimpulan: Dukungan yang positif akan memberikan persalinan normal dan ibu percaya diri. Kata kunci: dukungan, ibu bersalin, pandemi covid-19, pengalaman, persalinan.