Labour pain management is crucial for a comfortable childbirth experience. A range of options, including epidural anesthesia, breathing techniques, massage and positional changes, are available for managing labour pain. Factors such as maternal preference, stage of labour and medical conditions are considered when choosing the right approach. Effective labour pain management benefits both the mother and baby. This systematic review is aimed to identify best practices and gaps in managing labour pain and to provide recommendations for a comprehensive and effective capacity building program. The review analyzed relevant literature and data sources to assess the current state of midwifery education and practice in labour pain management. The results of the review indicate a need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted capacity building program that includes hands-on training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development opportunities for midwives. The study concludes that a well-designed and well-implemented capacity building program on labour pain management can improve the quality of care for mothers and newborns and enhance the competencies of midwives in Ekiti State.
Keywords: Capacity building, Competencies, Midwives, labour pain management, maternal care, neonatal care
