Needs, Obstacles, and Experiences of Parturients and Health Professionals during Labor Pain Management in Two Maternity Hospitals in Benin

Introduction: Labor pain is the result of a complex interaction of several physiological, psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors, making its management difficult and challenging for caregivers. This study aimed to explore the needs, barriers, and experiences of parturients and healthcare professionals in managing labor pain in this context. Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design with non-probability sampling was adopted and allowed the recruitment of 40 women who had given birth and 10 health professionals (8 midwives and 2 nurses). The intervention research method of Sidani and Braden (2011) was used for data collection. A thematic analysis with triangulation of experiential, empirical, and theoretical data for understanding the problem has been carried out. Also, using Roy’s model as a theoretical framework, the results were grouped according to the model adaptation modes and in relation to the goals of this stage of the Sidani and Braden (2011) method. Results: Faced with the medicalization of childbirth, women express a strong reliance on non-pharmacological approaches (NPAs) to relieve pain. NPAs promote a more woman-centered model of care, with a holistic view of the woman and consideration of her psycho-socio-cultural particularities. The needs and adaptation difficulties of the parturient in the four adaptation modes (comfort, relief, emotional and psychological support, social support) were identified. Healthcare professionals report a lack of training, clear protocols, and time to implement these methods due to workload and organizational constraints. Identified barriers also include inadequate infrastructure, cultural beliefs, and a preponderance of pharmacological use. PDAs are perceived as effective but not integrated into practices. Conclusion: The adoption of ANPs requires a systemic approach, combining training, awareness-raising, institutional protocols, and appropriate material conditions. Their integration could improve the quality of the childbirth experience, reduce perceived pain, and increase maternal satisfaction, thus contributing to humanizing childbirth in Beninese maternity wards.