The Effect of Partner-Assisted Rebozo Application in the Intrapartum Period on Birth Fear, Pain and Satisfaction

Childbirth is a challenging and life-changing experience for women that has emotional and physical effects. Every woman wants to remember her childbirth as a positive process, but the pain and suffering that accompanies this process can affect the perception of the pregnant woman. A long labor can increase complications for the baby and the mother. Despite all this, adapting to labor pain increases women's satisfaction with the labor process. For this, it is necessary to adopt methods that can reduce the duration and intensity of labor pain to a safe range and thus facilitate adaptation to pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends appropriate interventions to relieve labor pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of non-pharmacological methods for the relief of labor pain. The use of non-pharmacological methods in pain management helps women see their birth as a natural event and increases satisfaction with normal birth, thus contributing to the reduction of cesarean section rates. The rebozo technique, a traditional method, originates from Latin America and is a non-invasive, non-drug practical application. The rebozo technique reduces or eliminates pain levels by creating rhythmic movements in the pelvic area. Rebozo can be used before, during and after birth. When applied during labor, it corrects fetal malpositions, allows the fetus to easily make cardinal movements, and accelerates the progression of labor. There are limited studies on the rebozo application in the literature. In studies, women stated that they relaxed during contractions and their attention shifted away from the pain. In Febby's (2019) study, it was stated that the mother felt more comfortable with the rebozo technique, that it caused a hug-like feeling in the mother, causing the release of oxytocin, which could make the birth process faster and less painful, and that it could increase the sense of comfort among mothers. In a qualitative study, it was reported that pregnant women felt physically good with the application of the rebozo technique, that it was effective in reducing pain, and that especially when applied by midwives, it created great satisfaction in the mother. The application of the technique by midwives during labor will ensure that the pregnant woman actively participates in the labor, establishes a relationship of trust between the midwife and the pregnant woman, helps the pregnant woman cope with the pain of labor, and increases satisfaction with the labor. In the literature, it has been determined that rebozo application in the active phase reduces anxiety level and pain score and increases satisfaction. In a study, it was stated that the rebozo technique increases the rate of fetal descent and cervical dilatation. In another study, it was determined that the length of the second stage of labor with the rebozo technique was 27.07 minutes shorter than the control group. There are limited clinical studies conducted in our country with the rebozo technique. There is no study evaluating the results of partner-assisted rebozo application in the intrapartum period. For this reason, it is important to conduct evidence-based studies examining the effects of the use of rebozo technique in labor. This randomized controlled study will contribute to the literature.