Effects of a support group on the emotional impact of cesarean childbirth

Childbirth by cesarean, especially when unexpected, can be a source of acute emotional distress, stemming from unmet expectations for childbirth and the experience of major surgery, among other factors. Some women experience negative feelings months or years after the birth. A difficult cesarean birth experience has potential negative effects on a woman's relationship with her spouse or infant. Cesarean support groups play an important role in the prevention of emotional distress by facilitating the resolution of the birth experiences and allowing women to plan and prepare for more positive birth experiences in the future.