Jeanne Lythgoe’s study the ‘Experiences of pregnant women receiving acupuncture from midwives’ using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) involved participants attending a local midwifery acupuncture clinic, one of the very few NHS clinics in the UK.. Using IPA enabled Jeanne to capture the women’s individual stories, providing context and helping to explain the physical, psychological and social effects of acupuncture as a treatment in pregnancy.
Some of the women had quite remarkable physical and sensory responses, most reporting it as a not only a method of pain relief but as an enjoyable experience. Surprisingly they looked forward to its lasting relaxation effect. Even women who found the treatment a little uncomfortable continued to attend recognising the pain relief it offered. One women described the effect as being ” like eating chocolate but lasting for a lot longer”, the study is unique as there are only two other qualitative studies published to-date which explore the use of acupuncture in pregnancy and none use IPA. This study establishes acupuncture as an acceptable treatment for pregnant women helping them cope with the common conditions of pregnancy such as pelvic girdle and lower back pain. Conducting the study has increased Jeanne’s confidence in promoting the development of acupuncture services within maternity care. Undertaking the Professional Doctorate has also led the researcher to develop partnerships, working with medical acupuncture colleagues and the British Medical Acupuncture Society. The team are now delivering training for acupuncturists on treating pregnant women and specific study days for midwives teaching them to use acupuncture for pain relief in labour. This collaboration aims to establish intrapartum acupuncture throughout UK maternity services.
In February this year Jeanne and Lisa Bluff launched a new masters module on Perinatal Mental Health (Mother, Infant & Family). The module has specialist psychiatrist, psychologist and user input and is receiving very positive evaluations. Students from the February and September cohorts include those travelling from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Liverpool and Southport making it clear the module is both needed and one of the few available within the UK.
If you would like any further information about the module please contact Jeanne Lythgoe, Lisa Bluff or Helen Cameron.