Experience of support among mothers with and without post-traumatic stress symptoms following emergency caesarean section

Abstract

Objectives The aim was to describe women with and without symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSS) following emergency caesarean section (EmCS), and how they perceived the support received in connection with the birth of their child. Study design In this qualitative study 42 women with post-traumatic stress syndrome and 42 women without symptoms were interviewed by telephone six months after childbirth. Their responses were analysed using content analysis. Findings The midwives’ action, the content and organisation of care, the women’s emotions, and the role of the family were main categories that seemed to influence the interviewees’ perceptions of support in connection with childbirth. Women with PTSS further mentioned nervous or non-interested midwives, intense fear and feelings of shame during delivery, lack of postnatal follow-up, long-term postpartum fatigue and inadequate help from husbands as influencing factors. Women without symptoms reported involvement in the EmCS decision and a feeling of relief. Conclusions Staff and family members alike have important roles concerning support in connection with an EmCS. Women with PTSS seem to experience less support than women without symptoms.