Snoezelen therapy for pain, labor outcome and maternal satisfaction among parturient at tertiary hospital, South India

Abstract

Introduction: Labor is a physiological process that causes severe discomfort, leading to maternal dissatisfaction. Snoezelen therapy, a multisensory complementary therapy, promotes comfort and relaxation by releasing endorphins, thereby improving satisfaction during the labor process. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Snoezelen therapy on pain perception, labor outcomes, and maternal satisfaction among parturients. Methods: An experimental pretest-posttest control design was conducted among 74 parturient selected using consecutive sampling techniques in South India. Baseline observations were obtained at the beginning of the active stage, after which the study group parturient were subjected to Snoezelen therapy until reaching 10cm of cervical dilatation. Hourly assessments of pain, using a numerical pain scale, were performed. Labor outcomes were measured in terms of labor duration and mode of delivery. Maternal satisfaction with the birth experience and satisfaction with Snoezelen therapy components were collected 24 h after delivery. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: A statistically significant decrease in pain perception (p < 0.001) and an increase in maternal satisfaction (p < 0.001) were noted among parturient who underwent Snoezelen therapy. Parturient expressed high satisfaction with the use of aroma, music, and massage. There was no statistical significance in the duration of delivery and mode of delivery between the study and control groups. Conclusion: Snoezelen therapy reduces pain perception and increases maternal satisfaction during the active stage of labor. Thus, Snoezelen therapy can be implemented as part of nursing care during the labor process.

Keywords

• Labor pain
• Labor outcome
• Maternal satisfaction
• Parturient
• Snoezelen therapy