Investigation that effect of childbirth education classes and individual education on pregnancy and postpartum adaptation

Background: There is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation and whether individual or group education is more beneficial.Aim: To determine the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation and to describe women?s perceptions of the effectiveness of antenatal education in the preparation for pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period and their impressions of the type of education received.Method: In phase one, A Roy Adaptation Model-based quasi-experimental study of 120 nulliparous women was conducted. Two experimental groups received either group education (childbirth education classes) or individual education; the control group. Data were collected using a demographic data form and Lederman?s prenatal and postpartum self-evaluation questionnaires. In phase two, a qualitative study was conducted. Participants were fifteen women who had attended antenatal education. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis method.Findings: It was found that while there were significant differences between the groups in terms of prenatal adaptation, no difference could be seen in postpartum adaptation. A post hoc analysis showed that the women in the experimental groups were better adapted in their prenatal periods compared to the women in the control group. The qualitative results showed that education provides a basis of knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. It was established that education could have positive effects on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, motherhood and infant care and that it could at the same time have a positive or negative effect on fear of childbirth. It was discovered that study participants were much more satisfied attending group education.Conclusion: The education based on Roy?s adaptation model could improve prenatal adaptation in nulliparous women but may have no effect on postpartum adaptation. Roy?s adaptation model may be useful as a guide in for prenatal adaptation programmes. When the low cost and the higher satisfaction level attained are considered, childbirth education classes should be preferred.Key Words: Antenatal Education, Adaptation, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Motherhood, Roy?s Adaptation Model.