Why mothers with midwifery-led vaginal births recommend that mode of birth: a qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to examine why mothers with midwifery-led vaginal births recommend giving birth vaginally. Method This qualitative study was conducted with 14 mothers who had a vaginal birth with midwives and recommended it to other women. The data were collected using an in-depth interview form and analysed with the thematic analysis technique. Results The reasons why these mothers recommend vaginal birth (VB) are discussed under five main themes: ‘positive birth experience, postpartum comfort, beliefs and values, body image, and sexual life’. VB is mainly recommended to other women for emotional, medical, religious, and socio-cultural reasons, including pleasure/excitement related to the birth, newborn, and maternity, birth satisfaction, absence of interventions, early physical activity, early discharge from the hospital, beliefs and values, body image (easy weight loss, no incision, etc.), and early and safe sex life in the postpartum period. Conclusion Vaginal birth is mainly recommended to other women for emotional, medical, religious, and socio-cultural reasons. To support similar favourable views of vaginal birth, it is necessary to prioritise midwifery care that upholds the physiology of childbirth, minimises unnecessary medical interventions, ensures ongoing physical and emotional support, and respects socio-cultural beliefs and values.