Childbirth experiences for women in a Kenyan county referral hospital

Abstract

Background/Aims A woman's experience of childbirth can be positive or negative, although pregnant women have the right to a positive experience. A woman's experience should be fulfilling, and meet expectations that may be informed by personal and sociocultural beliefs. This study aimed to explore women's childbirth experiences at a county referral hospital. Methods This study used a transcendental phenomenological design. A total of 11 postnatal women were recruited until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and responses were recorded. Data were transcribed and manually coded, and major themes and sub-themes were identified using thematic analysis. Results Women reported unbearable and traumatic labour pain with little intervention from caregivers. The majority of women had friendly and caring midwives as well as a clean and spacious postnatal ward. This experience shaped their courage, self-belief and the desire for a subsequent pregnancy and birth. Conclusions Generally, most women had a positive and satisfying childbirth experience despite labour pains. To ensure an optimally positive childbirth experience for all women, there is a need to promote privacy, comfort and respectful maternity care while offering alternative labour pain management.