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Processing birth experiences: A content analysis of women's preferences
Valgerður Lísa Sigurðardóttir1, Jennifer Gamble2, Berglind Guðmundsdóttir3
1Landspítali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland; Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Midwifery
|November 6, 2018
Summary
Women desire recognition and tailored conversations to process negative birth experiences. Reviewing their birth experience helps them regain control and move forward positively.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Midwifery Care
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Negative birth experiences can harm maternal and infant well-being.
- Interventions for processing negative birth experiences are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore women's experiences and preferences for reviewing their birth experience.
- To understand the effectiveness of a specialized midwifery clinic in addressing birth-related concerns.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative content analysis of written responses from 125 women.
- Retrospective study utilizing semi-structured questionnaires.
- Quantitative descriptive analysis of participant characteristics and interview components.
Main Results:
- Key reasons for attending included previous negative birth experiences and anxiety about upcoming births.
- Identified themes: 'on my terms' (being recognised, listening is paramount, mapping the unknown) and 'moving on'.
- Women sought recognition and control in discussing their birth experiences.
Conclusions:
- Women want to review their birth experiences on their own terms, emphasizing recognition and tailored conversations.
- Fulfilling these expectations empowers women, restoring control and strength.
- Integrating birth experience discussions into routine maternity care is recommended.