ANALYZING THE MIDWIFE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS HANDLING THE PAIN IN LABOR PROCESS

Abstract

Health care issue is a never ending problem in the world. The development of health care system resulting in the increasing demand on a better health service, along with anxiety. Therefore, in this 21st century, having an effective communication in a health work field is very important as it could affects the interaction between patient and health provider. Labor process after the nine months long of pregnancy can be a deathly situation from the anxiety the patient has due to the pain. Besides doctor, the role of midwives in labor process is important as one of their roles are engage in a direct interaction with the patient. Along with that reason, midwives should create an effective communication and know how to use their interpersonal communication skills. Due to the stated information, this research was conducted to analyze the interpersonal communication skills of midwives in labor process handling the pain. Using a phenomenological approach by doing in-depth interviews with four midwives working in Nabasa Maternity Hospital – Pontianak – West Borneo, the researcher found that the midwives interpersonal communication skills lies in the counseling and persuasive skills. In the interpersonal communication, the midwives having a good relationship will help persuade the patient in countering the pain. Along with that, culture in Pontianak plays along in the interpersonal communication in the labor process. The roles of culture can be seen from the use of language, in examining the pain, and in countering the pain itself.