Women's Experiences in Overcoming Pain and Anxiety During Childbirth Using Shiatsu Massage: A Qualitative Approach

Anxiety induced by labour pain is a common concern among pregnant women. Despite various available intrapartum analgesics, their potential side effects can negatively affect the childbirth experience. Negative experiences can increase the risk of postpartum depression and a fear of future vaginal deliveries. It was leading some to prefer caesarean sections in subsequent pregnancies. Thus, the identification of a non-pharmacological method capable of mitigating labour pain and enhancing the birthing experience is of paramount importance. This study aimed to assess the role of Shiatsu massage in improving women's childbirth experiences. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological-based design approach, this study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten mothers from February to May 2022 at two maternity clinics (RP and KJ) in Samarinda, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used with the inclusion criteria: (a) postpartum mothers who received Shiatsu massage during labour and (b) postpartum mothers who could communicate well in Indonesian. Recruitment ceased upon reaching data saturation. Responses given in the Indonesian language were recorded verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis of the data was performed using NVivo 12. The study unveiled five key themes illustrating the influence of Shiatsu massage on women's childbirth experiences: emotional dynamics during labour, perception of labour pain, strategies for coping with labour pain, benefits perceived, and perceptions of Shiatsu massage for labour. From these findings, Shiatsu massage emerges as an effective strategy for reducing labour pain and anxiety, providing significant physical and emotional support to women. It holds considerable promise as an alternative method of intrapartum analgesia.