Birth, Postpartum, and Home Experiences of Individuals With Lower Extremity Nerve Injury

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore birth and at-home postpartum experiences of individuals with lower extremity nerve injury (LENI) related to childbirth. DesignMixed-methods, descriptive, cross-sectional survey with open-ended questions. SettingClosed Facebook support group. ParticipantsTwo hundred-thirty individuals who experienced LENI during childbirth. MeasurementsTwo research team members developed the online LENI survey that incorporated suggestions from LENI support group leaders. We used descriptive statistics, linear regression, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves to summarize the quantitative data and used content analysis for open-ended items. ResultsWe described labor, birth, and postpartum characteristics in our sample, including immediate and long-term LENI symptoms. Falls resulting from LENI were common in the hospital (55.6%) and at home (75.6%). At discharge home, respondents reported low confidence in their ability to care for themselves and their infants as well as high levels of dependence on others. There was an 89.6% prevalence of depression in the first month at home. Approximately 80% of participants rated their degree of healing at 5 years as 80% to 100% healed. Content analysis yielded six themes: (a) Grieving Loss of Current and Future Life; (b) Caregiver Responses That Helped or Hindered; (c) Being in Danger; (d) Experiencing Emotional Turmoil; (e) Dealing With Family, Marital, and Financial Difficulties; and (f) Finding Strength, Overcoming Obstacles, and Experiencing Personal Growth. ConclusionParticipants in our sample reported a very high rate of falls, anxiety, and depression at home. Nurses should recognize LENI symptoms, take action to prevent falls, and offer accurate information and referrals.