INCREASING LITERACY AND READINESS OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN FACING LABOR PAIN THROUGH HOLISTIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

Makassar, 16 October 2025 — The Faculty of Public Health, Indonesian Muslim University (FKM UMI) held a community service activity entitled "Increasing Literacy and Readiness of Pregnant Women in Facing Childbirth Pain through Holistic Education". This activity was carried out at RSIA Masyita, Makassar City and took place on Thursday, October 16 2025, with full support from the UMI Research and Community Service Institute (LPKM).

A total of 15 pregnant women actively participated in this program. This activity is designed to strengthen their mental readiness, knowledge and skills in dealing with labor pain through a holistic approach that combines physical, psychological and spiritual aspects.

The service team consisted of Yusrah Taqiyah, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes., M.Kep, Fatma Jama, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes, and Azrida M., S.SIT., M.Kes, who were accompanied by two Bachelor of Nursing students, Nabila Nahda Karim and Andi Afifiyah Zal-Sabila. The team delivered comprehensive material, including understanding labor and labor pain, stages of labor, the function of pain in the labor process, factors that influence pain perception, the impact of unmanaged pain, non-pharmacological pain management strategies, breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, counterpressure, comfortable movements and positions, as well as light touch and massage.

The head of the service team, Yusrah Taqiyah, explained, "This activity aims to equip pregnant women with skills and knowledge so they can face childbirth more calmly, confidently and comfortably. We want them to understand that labor pain can be managed naturally without relying entirely on medication."

This activity also received a warm welcome from RSIA Masyita. Dr. Anita Rahma,Head of the Mother and Child Services Unit, said, "The education and training providedthe UMI FKM team was very useful. Pregnant women can apply pain management techniqueswhich is safe and effective. We hope this collaboration can continue.”

One of the participants, Mrs. Siti Nurhaliza, said, "The material presented was very clear andpractical. I now feel more prepared and calmer about giving birth, and understand ithow to manage pain with natural techniques.”

Apart from educational sessions and direct practice, this activity also facilitates interactive discussions,allows participants to exchange experiences and build social supportimportant for the psychological readiness of pregnant women.

The service team would like to express their gratitude to LpKM UMI for their support andadequate facilities, to RSIA Masyita for the cooperation and facilities provided, as well asto all participants and service students, Nabila Nahda Karim and Andi Afifiyah Zal-Sabila, for their active participation so that activities can run smoothly andmeaningful.

This service program is clear evidence of the commitment of FKM UMI and LPKM UMImake academic contributions that have a direct impact on society. Holistic educationIt is hoped that this will be able to improve the quality of maternal and child health in Makassar City,while strengthening the practical and applicable application of nursing and midwifery knowledge.

Through this activity, FKM UMI emphasizes its vision in building partnershipssustainability with the community, as well as encouraging students' active role in community servicewhich is innovative, applicable and useful.