Birth Experience Research Articles

Giving birth: A hermeneutic study of the expectations and experiences of healthy primigravid women in Switzerland.

Switzerland experiences one of the highest caesarean section rates in Europe but it is unclear why and when the decision is made to perform a caesarean section. Many studies have examined from a medical and physiological point of view, but research from a women's standpoint is lacking. Our aim was to develop a model of the emerging expectations of giving birth and the subsequent experiences of healthy primigravid women, across four cantons in Switzerland. This longitudinal study included 30 primigravidae from the German speaking, 14 from the French speaking and 14 from the Italian speaking cantons who were purposively selected. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews taking place around 22 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and six weeks and six months postnatally. Following Gadamer's hermeneutic, which in this study comprised 5 stages, a model was developed. Four major themes emerged: Decisions, Care, Influences and Emotions. Their meandering paths and evolution demonstrate the complexity of the expectations and experiences of women becoming mothers. In this study, women's narrated mode of birth expectations did not foretell how they gave birth and their lived experiences. A hermeneutic discontinuity arises at the 6 week postnatal interview mark. This temporary gap illustrates the bridge between women's expectations of birth and their actual lived experiences, highlighting the importance of informed consent, parent education and ensuring women have a positive birth and immediate postnatal experiences. Other factors than women's preferences should be considered to explain the increasing caesarean section rates.

Effectiveness of Pharmacological Pain Relief Methods on Birth Experience: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The use of pharmacological pain relief methods during labour is increasing, however there is no clear evidence that pharmacological interventions can also improve women’s satisfaction with birth experience. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions on women's satisfaction with birth experience (primary outcome) and satisfaction with the received method (secondary outcome). Methods: We searched databases in English (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus and Web of Science) and Persian languages (SID and Magiran) from inception until April 30, 2018 for clinical trials that pharmacological pain relief methods were compared with standard or routine cares, or non-pharmacological methods. The evaluation of studies in term of risk of bias was conducted using the Cochrane Handbook. Meta-analysis results were reported as OR and 95% confidence interval. In meta-analysis, subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of intervention. Due to the heterogeneity of over 30%, random effect was reported instead of the fixed effect. The heterogeneity was evaluated using I2, T2 and Chi2. The evaluation of the quality of the studies was also examined using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group (GRADE) approach. Results: The results of 7 studies with low-quality in meta-analysis, showed that pharmacological methods significantly improved satisfaction with birth experience (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.37 to 6.52; P = 0.006). However, meta-analysis of subgroups showed that only inhalation of Entonox gas (OR = 6.51; 95% CI: 3.47 to 12.22; P < 0.001), in contrast to epidural analgesia (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.27; P = 0.60) and Hyoscine injection (OR = 2.58; 95% CI: 0.93 to 7.20; P = 0.07) significantly improved satisfaction with birth experience. Conclusion: Pharmacological interventions such as epidural, although introduced as one of the effective methods for pain relief, may not provide women with satisfaction with birth. However, more studies with precise methodology, high sample size, and standard tools should be performed to more accurately investigate the effect of pharmacological interventions on birth experience.

Cuddling very and extremely preterm babies in the delivery room is a positive and normal experience for mothers after the birth.

Extremely preterm infants are separated from their mothers immediately after birth and not placed skin-to-skin in routine neonatal intensive care unit settings. Visual and physical contact in the delivery room as a first cuddle potentially can facilitate early parent-infant interaction and reduce the trauma of separation. Our aim in this study was to explore mothers' experience of delivery room cuddle by collecting qualitative feedback via emotional mapping. Six mothers experiencing delivery room cuddle had been recruited (GA of their babies 24+5-29+0weeks, birth weight 540-1019g). Using a descriptive qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were performed with six mothers following consent via Zoom or phone between September 2020 and March 2021. Interviews were transcribed using AI Otter and then analysed using thematic analysis. Analysis of the participants' experiences revealed five themes: fears and hopes around delivery; the moment of delivery-recognising uncertainty; reclaiming normalcy; forming connections; and the journey ahead as an empowered parent. All mothers reported positive emotions about the cuddle with their baby. They highlighted that this physical contact was often the only positive and 'normal' birth experience they had from the time of delivery.

A qualitative approach – delineates changes on pubertal body image after menarche

ABSTRACT The present study explored young adolescent’s (female at birth) experiences with their bodies following pubertal changes. Twenty-seven participants selected from a parent-daughter workshop at school who had experienced 1 to 6 menstrual cycles were interviewed. Data were collected and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four current themes emerged from the analysis: (i) perception of body changes in puberty; (ii) intense emotions; (iii) managing body changes and secondary sexual characteristics; (iv) a new way of experiencing the body. Results support an integrative approach to the prevention of body negative image. Based on these findings, it is important to considered body image in the complexity of its emotional, cognitive and behavioural manifestations in order to promote psycho-educational programmes related to secondary sexual characteristics, consistent with the needs of today’s pubertal female at birth.

Measuring post-traumatic stress after childbirth: a review and critical appraisal of instruments

ABSTRACT Background Addressing psychological trauma after childbirth requires accurate measurement of its prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes using validated instruments that distinguish perceptions of traumatic birth, subclinical post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, and symptoms meeting a diagnostic threshold. Objective The purpose of this study was to review literature on psychological trauma following childbirth and appraise instruments that measure postpartum PTS. Methods In January 2020, the authors searched for and evaluated peer-reviewed studies that quantitatively measured PTS following hospital-based live births in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland; 37 articles were selected and evaluated. Results Levels of post-traumatic stress disorder were most commonly measured, followed by PTS symptoms. Diagnostic instruments suggested lower PTS prevalence estimates than those screening for or assessing PTS symptoms. Community samples yielded lower prevalence estimates than samples recruited from the internet or settings specifically addressing mental health. Measurement sooner after birth yielded higher estimates. Conclusion Study design, sample characteristics, instruments, and timing of measurements likely impact postpartum PTS prevalence estimates. Variation in these characteristics make it difficult to draw conclusions on the prevalence of postpartum PTS. Researchers should consider the appraisal of measurement tools presented here and use rigorous study methodology when studying traumatic birth experiences and evaluating interventions.

Experience, perceptions and attitudes of parents who planned home birth in Spain: A qualitative study

BackgroundA woman’s home birth and postpartum experience can have a major impact on her baby’s, partner’s and family’s well being. It is a life-altering event that can help improve or worsen women’s self-esteem and self-confidence. AimThe aim of this study was to describe and understand the experiences, perceptions and attitudes of parents who planned a home birth in Spain. MethodsA qualitative study was conducted based on Gadamer’s hermeneutic phenomenology. Two main methods were used for data collection; narratives and individual in-depth interviews with 14 mothers and 8 fathers who had planned a home birth in the last year. Inductive analysis was used to find themes based on the data obtained. FindingsSix main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) in search of a natural and personalised birth, (2) breaking with social pressures, (3) experience of home birth for the mother, (4) role of the father in home birth, (5) how does the father experience home birth?, (6) home birth is not available to all mothers and fathers. ConclusionFor the mothers and fathers in this study the home birth experience fulfilled their previous expectations of an intimate and natural moment, making it a highly satisfying experience for both. However, parents expressed experiencing negative feelings such as fear and worry about complications and labor pain. According to our research society in general and public health professionals in particular issue numerous criticisms and value judgments towards mothers and fathers who opt for a home birth in our country. In addition, the study shows the economic and cultural inequalities in access to home birth in Spain.

Birth Experience Mediates the Association Between Fear of Childbirth and Mother-Child-Bonding Up to 14 Months Postpartum: Findings From the Prospective Cohort Study DREAM.

ObjectiveTo explore the longitudinal associations between prepartum fear of childbirth (FOC), birth experience, and postpartum mother-child-bonding, and the potential mediator role of the birth experience.DesignWomen from the prospective cohort study DREAM completed questionnaires during pregnancy, 8 weeks, and 14 months after the birth.ParticipantsA community sample of n = 645 pregnant women from a large city in Eastern Germany participated in the study.ResultsIn a regression analysis, FOC predicted negative birth experience (β = 0.208, p < 0.001) which in turn predicted poorer mother-child-bonding both at 8 weeks (β = 0.312, p < 0.001) and 14 months postpartum (β = 0.200, p < 0.001). FOC also predicted mother-child-bonding at 14 months postpartum (β = 0.098, p < 0.05). Of note, this association was mediated by birth experience both at 8 weeks, indirect effect ab = 0.065, 95% CI [0.036, 0.098], and 14 months postpartum, indirect effect ab = 0.043, 95% CI [0.023, 0.067]. These effects remained stable even when adjusting for potential confounders.Key ConclusionsThis study suggests that the association between FOC and mother-child-bonding is mediated by birth experience, pointing to the importance of a woman's positive subjective experience.Implications for PracticeFindings reveal two targets for peripartum interventions for women at risk for poor mother-child-bonding, namely the implementation of FOC screenings during pregnancy, and birth experience as mediating factor between FOC and mother-child-bonding. Focusing on the mother's subjective birth experience could aid to identify women at risk for impaired bonding who might need additional support.

The enduring impact of birth: Women's birth perceptions, postpartum depressive symptoms, and postpartum depression risk.

Postpartum depression (PPD) and related maternal mood disorders affect anywhere from 7% to 19% of postpartum women. Although historically a neglected issue, there has been a strong impetus in the past few decades to implement routine, universal screening and to address PPD as a major public health concern. Still, there has been relatively little analysis of how the quality of the birth experience influences subsequent maternal mental health. We examine the relationship between perceived birth experience and two PPD screeners (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale). Data came from waves I and II of the Listening to Mothers data set. This is the only national survey of US women's childbirth and postpartum experiences. In logistic and linear regression models, we used a 12-item "feeling" index (perceived birth experience) to predict (a) overall PPD screener scores, and (b) likelihood of meeting the clinical cutoff for depression risk. We also controlled for other known socio-demographic and obstetric risk factors. Perceived birth experience strongly and consistently predicted both PPD screener measures, and in both forms-raw scores and clinical cutoffs. By contrast, other known risk factors had inconsistent results across the two screeners. Perceived birth experience should be considered more central in assessing PPD. It may also be more robust than the PPD screeners used in practice, and therefore, could be a more reliable predictor of PPD. Providers should consider how the improved social-psychological quality of women's birth experience can act as a buffer to PPD and other postpartum concerns.

Risk Factors for Dual Burden of Severe Maternal Morbidity and Preterm Birth by Insurance Type in California

ObjectivesAmong childbearing women, insurance coverage determines degree of access to preventive and emergency care for maternal and infant health. Maternal-infant dyads with dual burden of severe maternal morbidity and preterm birth experience high physical and psychological morbidity, and the risk of dual burden varies by insurance type. We examined whether sociodemographic and perinatal risk factors of dual burden differed by insurance type.MethodsWe estimated relative risks of dual burden by maternal sociodemographic and perinatal characteristics in the 2007–2012 California birth cohort dataset stratified by insurance type and compared effects across insurance types using Wald Z-statistics.ResultsDual burden ranged from 0.36% of privately insured births to 0.41% of uninsured births. Obstetric comorbidities, multiple gestation, parity, and birth mode conferred the largest risks across all insurance types, but effect magnitude differed. The adjusted relative risk of dual burden associated with preeclampsia superimposed on preexisting hypertension ranged from 9.1 (95% CI 7.6–10.9) for privately insured to 15.9 (95% CI 9.1–27.6) among uninsured. The adjusted relative risk of dual burden associated with cesarean birth ranged from 3.1 (95% CI 2.7–3.5) for women with Medi-Cal to 5.4 (95% CI 3.5–8.2) for women with other insurance among primiparas, and 7.0 (95% CI 6.0–8.3) to 19.4 (95% CI 10.3–36.3), respectively, among multiparas.ConclusionsRisk factors of dual burden differed by insurance type across sociodemographic and perinatal factors, suggesting that care quality may differ by insurance type. Attention to peripartum care access and care quality provided by insurance type is needed to improve maternal and neonatal health.

The Role of Personality Traits and Delivery Experience in Fear of Childbirth: A Prospective Study

This study aimed to examine fear of childbirth (FOC) before and after delivery in relation to personality (anxiety and anxiety sensitivity) and birth experience (type of delivery, pain, and staff support). One-hundred and five women completed questionnaires during pregnancy and one month after childbirth. Participants completed the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire; the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and Anxiety Sensitivity Index, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire and a Support from staff questionnaire. FOC levels decreased after childbirth, but only in the high-level fear group. Path analysis showed that physical concerns, one aspect of anxiety sensitivity, shape FOC during pregnancy. Together with interventions at delivery (instrumental vaginal delivery and emergency caesarean section), pain and low staff support, this in turn modifies FOC after delivery. In conclusion, FOC decreases after childbirth. However, combined with adverse birth experience and certain personality traits, FOC during pregnancy affects FOC after delivery.

Foley catheter and controlled release dinoprostone versus foley catheter labor induction in nulliparas: a randomized trial.

To evaluate Foley catheter and controlled release dinoprostone insert compared to foley catheter alone on induction to delivery interval and maternal satisfaction. A randomized trial was conducted in a university hospital in Malaysia from December 2018 to May 2019. Term nulliparas with unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤ 5) scheduled for labor induction were randomized to Foley catheter and controlled release dinoprostone insert simultaneously or Foley catheter alone. Primary outcomes were induction to delivery interval (hours) and maternal satisfaction on birth experience (assessed by 11-point Visual Numerical Rating Scale VNRS 0-10, higher score more satisfied). Induction to vaginal delivery intervals was mean ± standard deviation 22.5 ± 10.4 vs. 35.1 ± 14.9h, P = < 0.001 but maternal satisfaction on birth experience was not significantly different median[interquartile range] VNRS 8[7-9] vs. 8[7-9], P = 0.12 for Foley catheter-controlled-release dinoprostone and Foley catheter alone arms, respectively. Cesarean delivery rates were 35/102(34.3%) vs. 50/101(49.5%), P = 0.02 RR 0.7 95% CI 0.5-0.9 NNTb 6.3 95% CI 3.5-39.4, pain score at 6h after catheter insertion 5[2-8] vs. 1[1-3], P < 0.001, Bishop score at trial devices removal 9[9-10] vs. 8[7-9], P = 0.001, requirement for oxytocin induction or augmentation 39/102(38.2%) vs. 76/101(75.2%) NNTb 3 95% CI 2.0-4.1, P < 0.001 and amniotomy rates 73/99(73.7%) vs. 81/95(85.3%), P = 0.052 RR 0.9 85% CI 0.8-1.0 in Foley catheter-controlled-release dinoprostone and Foley catheter alone arms respectively. In nulliparas with unripe cervixes at term, combined Foley catheter and controlled release dinoprostone vaginal insert compared to Foley catheter alone reduces the induction to vaginal delivery interval and cesarean delivery rate but satisfaction was not significantly increased. ISRCTN2282883, 03/12/2018, "prospectively registered" ( https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12282883 ).

Planned Place of Birth-Impact of Psychopathological Risk Factors on the Choice of Birthplace and Its Postpartum Effect on Psychological Adaption: An Exploratory Study.

The choice of birthplace may have an important impact on a woman’s health. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the psychopathological risk factors that drive women’s choice of birthplace, since their influence is currently not well understood. The research was conducted in 2011/12 and we analyzed data of 177 women (obstetric unit, n = 121; free standing midwifery unit, n = 42; homebirth, n = 14). We focused antepartally (M = 34.3 ± 3.3) on sociodemographic and risk factors of psychopathology, such as prenatal distress (Prenatal Distress Questionnaire), depressiveness (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), birth anxiety (Birth Anxiety Scale), childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), and postpartally (M = 6.65 ± 2.6) on birth experience (Salmon’s Item List), as well as psychological adaption, such as postpartum depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and birth anxiety felt during birth (modified Birth Anxiety Scale). Women with fear of childbirth and the beginning of birth were likely to plan a hospital birth. In contrast, women with fear of touching and palpation by doctors and midwives, as well as women with childhood trauma, were more likely to plan an out-of-hospital birth. Furthermore, women with planned out-of-hospital births experienced a greater relief of their birth anxiety during the birth process than women with planned hospital birth. Our results especially show that women with previous mental illnesses, as well as traumatic experiences, seem to have special needs during childbirth, such as a safe environment and supportive care.

Experience of Analgesia during Labour in a Sub-Saharan Hospital Setting

The pain experienced during labour varies from one person to another. The objective of this study is to evaluate the experience of analgesia during labour in three maternity hospitals in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted over 4 months, from 1 December 2019 to 31 March 2020, at the Yaoundé Gynaecological-Obstetric Hospital, the Yaoundé Central Hospital and the Douala General Hospital. We compared 35 parturients who delivered vaginally under analgesia and 79 parturients who delivered without analgesia. The data collected were compared using Chi 2 and Fischer tests with a significance level of P Results: Parturients aged 30 - 40 years (P = 0.03), public sector employees (P = 0.002) and private sector employees (P Conclusion: Analgesia delivery offers a better birth experience, however it may have negligible side effects.

Aromaterapia no parto

The aim was to investigate the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of aromatherapy for a better birth experience. This is an integrative review of the literature available on the VHL database platform and PubMed and Scopus databases, with studies published in the last 5 years. The studies were categorized according to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine table and analyzed according to 5 thematic groups: Country, Methodology, Characteristics of pregnant women, Essential oils used and Results achieved. The studies are mostly from the Middle East and Asia. The pregnant women were, in general, primiparous. The most commonly used essential oils are lavender, rose and chamomile. Application methods are massage, inhalation and diffusion. The effects are a decrease in labor pain, anxiety and delivery time. Aromatherapy is an efficient technology as it allows women to go through the labor process with less anxiety, less pain and faster. New research needs to be carried out with essential oils produced in Brazil in order to identify those most suitable for the Brazilian parturient. Aromatherapy is part of the integral care model for childbirth, where continuous care occurs throughout the process.

Mothers' Experiences of Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, and Postpartum During COVID-19 in the United States: Preliminary Results of a Mixed-Methods Study.

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of women who gave birth in the United States during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A mixed-methods study was performed using online surveys and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interview transcripts were analyzed by thematic analysis resulting in major themes. Participants (n = 32) were women who had given birth on or after March 13, 2020. Of the participants, 34% experienced depression, 46% experienced mild to moderate anxiety, and 28% experienced severe anxiety symptoms. Four major themes emerged: expectations versus reality, early versus late COVID-19 experience, mental distress versus mental health, and healthcare policy versus COVID-19 confusion. Experiences varied based upon geographical location, parity, and proximity to support. Short and long-term effects of COVID-19 on participants and their families were recognized. It is important to acknowledge the confusion experienced in many aspects of the birthing experience due to developing or conflicting pandemic or popular media information. Aligning expectations through providing clear, up-to-date information is helpful in decreasing mental distress. Finally, the impact of COVID-19 highlighted the critical need for professional and focused familial support and follow-up for women experiencing pregnancy-related mental health symptoms.

“I Needed to Become a Mother”: Poetic Representations of Maternal Embodiment, Autonomy, and Birth Trauma

While poetic inquiry has been used to explore many aspects of motherhood, there has been less attention given to pregnant, birthing, and immediately postpartum/fourth trimester embodiment. Here, we utilize poetry to explore a topic that is understudied and embodied experiences in the transition from pregnancy to early motherhood. The poems we present in this article are part of a larger project exploring experiences of embodied transition into motherhood. In the context of this larger project, 14 women were interviewed about their experiences of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In order to maintain focus on the embodied transition to new motherhood, only participants within 6 months of their first birth at the time of the interview are included in this article. The full data set was analyzed using a feminist-informed qualitative method centered on voice (The Listening Guide), and the poems we present here are derived from the second listening, which focuses on participants’ use of “I” in their narratives.

CONVIVENDO COM O CÂNCER GESTACIONAL: UMA TEORIA FUNDAMENTADA NOS DADOS A PARTIR DE EXPERIÊNCIAS DE FAMÍLIAS

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the experience of families living with pregnancy-associated cancer. Method: grounded theory with symbolic interactionism as a theoretical reference. Twelve families with a woman diagnosed with pregnancy-associated cancer participated in the study. Data were collected by identification form, genogram and interview, between March 2018 and March 2019, and the analysis followed the stages of substantive and theoretical coding. Results: the constant comparative analysis of the data developed the substantive theory "Living between weaknesses and motivations: experiences of families with pregnancy-associated cancer" explaining the experience with the central concept "Living between losses that weaken and the arrival of the child who strengthens", which represents the symbolic actions and strategies of the family that perceives itself in a condition of duality. Conclusion: throughout the experience, the family moves from a condition in which illness is identified as a difficulty for the experience of pregnancy and birth to another in which pregnancy and birth are seen as motivators for cancer treatment.

Framing Black Infant and Maternal Mortality.

This article looks to the past to consider how government officials, health professionals, and legal authorities have historically framed racial disparities in birth and the lasting impact these explanations have had on Black birthing experiences and outcomes.

Intrapartum respectful maternity care practices and its barriers in Eastern India.

Respectful maternal care (RMC) is increasingly recognized globally as critical to improving the quality of maternity care as women deserve respectful and dignified care. Numerous women face disrespectful maternal care during labor and delivery, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which dissuades them from seeking institutional care. Women, the consumers of care, are better positioned to report on the level of respectful care they receive. Health care workers' perspectives on barriers to delivering respective maternity care are seldom explored. Thus, this study aims to assess the levels of respectful maternity care and its barriers. This cross-sectional study assesses the level of RMC and its barriers in the labor room of tertiary care hospital in Odisha among 246 women selected by consecutive sampling technique by a questionnaire. More than one-third of women reported good RMC. Although women rated high in domains of environment, resources, dignified care, and non-discrimination, non-consented care and non-confidential care were poorly rated. Barriers that adversely affect the delivery of RMC perceived by health care workers were lack of resources, staffing, uncooperative mother, communication issues, privacy issues, lack of policies, workload, and language problems. There was a significant association of RMC with age, education, occupation, and income. In contrast, residence, marital status, number of children, antenatal visit, type of institute of antenatal care, mode of delivery, and gender of health care provider were not associated with RMC. Given the above findings, we recommend vigorous efforts to improve the institutional policies, resources, training, and supervision of health care professionals on women's rights during childbirth to strengthen the quality of care for positive birth experiences.

American College of Nurse-Midwives Clinical Bulletin Number 18: Induction of Labor.

Induction of labor is an increasingly common component of intrapartum care in the United States. This rise is fueled by a nationwide escalation in both medically indicated and elective inductions at or beyond term, supported by recent research showing some benefits of induction over expectant management. However, induction of labor medicalizes the birth experience and may lead to a complex cascade of interventions. The purpose of this Clinical Bulletin is twofold: (1) to guide clinicians on the use of person-centered decision-making when discussing induction of labor and (2) to review evidence-based practice recommendations for intrapartum midwifery care during labor induction.