First-Time Mothers’ Experiences of a Planned Cesarean Birth

Background/Aims Women have different and varying experiences of labour and their coping strategies vary as well. Having support during labour may help women feel in control of their labour. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of first-time mothers during the first stage of labour. Methods The study used a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design. A purposive sample of nine first-time postpartum mothers were selected to participate following normal vaginal delivery at Mbabane Government Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analysed thematically. Open coding was used to analyse data. Results Four themes emerged: 1. Ignorance of the signs of labour 2. Anxiety related to fear 3. Maintaining adequate nutrition 4. Coping with labour pains. Each theme had several subcategories. Most participants were ignorant of the signs of labour and reported anxiety related to fear of the unknown and practiced different ways of coping with labour pains. Conclusions First-time mothers require adequate preparation for labour, as many women in this study were ignorant of the signs of labour and reported anxiety related to fear of the unknown. Pregnant women should be educated about the physiological aspects of the first stage of labour and oriented in the labour ward during the prenatal period.

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The Maternity Experience of New Zealand Samoan First-time Mothers

10.26686/wgtn.17131826.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Marianna Churchward

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Intergenerational Relationships ◽

Embodied Experience ◽

Theoretical Frameworks ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽

Early Motherhood ◽

First Time Mothers ◽

Before And After ◽

First Time

<p>Motherhood is a life-changing event. It is a significant milestone for a woman. This thesis explores the concept of motherhood from the perspectives of Samoan first-time mothers living in New Zealand. The thesis traces their experiences from conception, pregnancy and childbirth through to early motherhood. Their narratives are the focus of the research and are complemented by the viewpoints from some of their own mothers, and maternity health professionals. The overarching question, ‘What are the experiences of a group of first-time New Zealand-born Samoan mothers before and after birth?’ was framed from a strengths-based approach and draws on work which defines a strength-based approach to resilience as research that changed traditional deficit perspectives. Rather than focusing on how individuals or families have failed or struggled, emphasis is directed to how they can succeed or how they can manage (Walsh, 2006). Interviews were conducted in Wellington and Auckland with 11 first-time Samoan mothers prior to childbirth and follow-up interviews with nine of these women within 12 months of the birth of their child. Five Samoan grandmothers, i.e. mothers of these first-time mothers, five midwives and five Plunket nurses were also interviewed. Four sites of analysis were examined – the embodied experience of conception and pregnancy; the process of labour and childbirth; the new norm of early motherhood, and interpersonal relationships and encounters. Analysis was conducted through the overarching lens of the Samoan concept of the vā (Wendt, 1999), the theoretical frameworks of ‘negotiated spaces’ (Mila-Schaaf and Hudson, 2009) and sophisticated mediation (Churchward, 2011). It was found that the first-time New Zealand-born Samoan mothers engaged in a complex and, at times, contradictory process of seeking support during their transition to motherhood. They demonstrated resilience and their skill as sophisticated mediators. The women depended on relationships, some biological and some not, that were reliable and sustainable and the interaction and care that the relationship offered. Intergenerational relationships were important to these first-time New Zealand-born Samoan mothers, particularly ones they had with their own mother, or someone close to them, as it was pivotal in the way in which they constructed their maternity experience.</p>

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Maternal Perceptions of the Experience of Attempted Labor Induction and Medically Elective Inductions: Analysis of Survey Results from Listening to Mothers in California

10.21203/rs.2.13945/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Eugene Declercq ◽

Candice Belanoff ◽

Ronald Iverson

Keyword(s):

Medical Records ◽

Medical Intervention ◽

Study Data ◽

Labor Induction ◽

Cesarean Birth ◽

Cesarean Births ◽

Survey Results ◽

Maternal Preference ◽

First Time ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background The rate of induction of labor in the U.S. has risen from 9.6% in 1990 to 25.7% in 2017, including 31.7% of first-time births. Recent studies that have examined inductions have been small qualitative studies or relied on either medical records or administrative data. This study examines induction from the perspective of those women who experienced it, with a particular focus on the prevalence and predictors of inductions for nonmedical indications, women’s experience of pressure to induce labor and the relationship between the attempt to medically initiate labor and cesarean section. Methods Study data are drawn from the 2,119 women in the Listening to Mothers in California survey who were planning to have a vaginal birth in 2016. Mothers were asked if there had been an attempt to medically initiate labor, if it actually started labor, if they felt pressured to have the induction, if they had a cesarean and the reason for the induction. Reasons for induction were classified as either medically indicated or elective. Results Almost half (47%) of our respondents indicated an attempt was made to medically induce their labor, and 71% of those attempts initiated labor. More than a third of the attempts (37%) were elective. Attempted induction was most strongly associated with giving birth at 41+ weeks (aOR 3.28; 95% C.I. 2.21-4.87). Elective inductions were more likely among multiparous mothers and in pregnancies at 39 or 40 weeks. The perception of being pressured to have labor induced was related to higher levels of education, maternal preference for less medical intervention in birth, having an obstetrician compared to a midwife and gestational ages of 41+ weeks. Cesarean births were no more likely in the case of elective inductions. Cesarean birth was more likely in the case of induction (aOR 1.51; 95% C.I. 1.11-2.07) and especially following a failed attempt at labor induction (aOR 4.50; 95% C.I. 2.93-6.90). Conclusions Clinicians counselling mothers concerning the need for labor induction should be aware of mothers’ perceptions about birth and engage in true shared decision making in order to avoid the maternal perception of being pressured into labor induction.

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First-time mothers’ experiences of foetal reduction in pregnancy following assisted reproductive technology treatment in Taiwan: a qualitative study

Journal of Health Population and Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s41043-021-00270-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mei-Zen Huang ◽

Yi-Chin Sun ◽

Meei-Ling Gau ◽

Shuby Puthussery ◽

Chien-Huei Kao

Keyword(s):

Assisted Reproductive Technology ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Reproductive Technology ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

First Time Mothers ◽

Before And After ◽

Big Picture ◽

First Time ◽

Experiences Of Women ◽

Mothers Experiences

Abstract Background Foetal reduction—removal of one or more foetuses to reduce the number of foetuses in multiple conceptions—is a procedure used for improving pregnancy outcomes following assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. While there is a recognition of the importance of understanding the experiences of women who undergo foetal reduction to offer appropriate help and support, studies that provide relevant insights are sparse. Our aim was to gain an in-depth understanding about first-time mothers’ experiences of foetal reduction following ART treatment in Taiwan. Methods We adopted a qualitative design based on a phenomenological approach for this study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven first-time mothers who underwent foetal reduction following ART treatment at a fertility centre in Taipei, Taiwan. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the Colaizzi strategy. Results The views and experiences relating to foetal reduction reflected five key themes: hesitation, ambivalence and distress; the guilt of knowingly terminating a life; rituals and ceremonies to ease the sense of guilt; persuading oneself to consider the ‘big picture’; and wishing for a reunion in next pregnancy. Mothers often regretted that they took clinical advice to implant multiple embryos and then having had to resort to foetal reduction. There was a sense of hesitation, ambivalence and distress reflected in the views from all participants. They believed that they ended the fetuses’ lives knowingly and expressed strong feelings of guilt. Mothers often tried to persuade themselves to look at foetal reduction within the ‘big picture’ of the overall pregnancy outcome. Losing their unborn babies was as an unforgettable incident for most mothers, and they wished for a reunion with the lost baby in the next pregnancy. Conclusion Findings indicate the need for ART providers to undertake a more sensitive approach that involves detailed discussions with women and their families to tailor the embryo transfer processes to suit individual needs. Women who undergo foetal reduction should be provided with tailored interventions towards enhancing their coping strategies before and after foetal reduction taking into account the cultural and religious context.

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The Effect of Hospital-Based Childbirth Classes on Women's Birth Preferences and Fear of Childbirth: A Pre- and Post-Class Survey

The Journal of Perinatal Education ◽

10.1891/j-pe-d-19-00015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 134-142

Author(s):

Kristen K. Hands ◽

Alyssa Clements-Hickman ◽

Claire C. Davies ◽

Dorothy Brockopp

Keyword(s):

Birth Experience ◽

Fear Of Childbirth ◽

First Time Mothers ◽

Before And After ◽

Women’S Perceptions ◽

Post Class ◽

Expectant Mothers ◽

First Time

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a hospital-based childbirth class on fear of childbirth, anticipation regarding the birth experience, birth preferences and perception of the birth experience among first-time mothers. Expectant mothers (N = 207) completed an investigator-designed questionnaire before and after attending a prenatal hospital-based childbirth class held in the hospital where they intended to give birth. Statistically, significant changes postintervention included a decrease in fearfulness and an increase in birth anticipation. Shifts also occurred in birth preferences. Data collected from an open-ended question revealed the participants' increased excitement about birth. Findings provide evidence that attending hospital-based childbirth classes may influence women's perceptions and preferences regarding birth.

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Just another ordinary bad birth? A narrative analysis of first time mothers' traumatic birth experiences

Health Care For Women International ◽

10.1080/07399332.2018.1442838 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (6) ◽

pp. 619-643 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Helen Murphy ◽

Joanna Strong

Keyword(s):

Narrative Analysis ◽

First Time Mothers ◽

Traumatic Birth ◽

First Time

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The Maternity Experience of New Zealand Samoan First-time Mothers

10.26686/wgtn.17131826 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Marianna Churchward

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Intergenerational Relationships ◽

Embodied Experience ◽

Theoretical Frameworks ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽

Early Motherhood ◽

First Time Mothers ◽

Before And After ◽

First Time

<p>Motherhood is a life-changing event. It is a significant milestone for a woman. This thesis explores the concept of motherhood from the perspectives of Samoan first-time mothers living in New Zealand. The thesis traces their experiences from conception, pregnancy and childbirth through to early motherhood. Their narratives are the focus of the research and are complemented by the viewpoints from some of their own mothers, and maternity health professionals. The overarching question, ‘What are the experiences of a group of first-time New Zealand-born Samoan mothers before and after birth?’ was framed from a strengths-based approach and draws on work which defines a strength-based approach to resilience as research that changed traditional deficit perspectives. Rather than focusing on how individuals or families have failed or struggled, emphasis is directed to how they can succeed or how they can manage (Walsh, 2006). Interviews were conducted in Wellington and Auckland with 11 first-time Samoan mothers prior to childbirth and follow-up interviews with nine of these women within 12 months of the birth of their child. Five Samoan grandmothers, i.e. mothers of these first-time mothers, five midwives and five Plunket nurses were also interviewed. Four sites of analysis were examined – the embodied experience of conception and pregnancy; the process of labour and childbirth; the new norm of early motherhood, and interpersonal relationships and encounters. Analysis was conducted through the overarching lens of the Samoan concept of the vā (Wendt, 1999), the theoretical frameworks of ‘negotiated spaces’ (Mila-Schaaf and Hudson, 2009) and sophisticated mediation (Churchward, 2011). It was found that the first-time New Zealand-born Samoan mothers engaged in a complex and, at times, contradictory process of seeking support during their transition to motherhood. They demonstrated resilience and their skill as sophisticated mediators. The women depended on relationships, some biological and some not, that were reliable and sustainable and the interaction and care that the relationship offered. Intergenerational relationships were important to these first-time New Zealand-born Samoan mothers, particularly ones they had with their own mother, or someone close to them, as it was pivotal in the way in which they constructed their maternity experience.</p>

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Well-Being In Breastfeeding Mother

Media Keperawatan Indonesia ◽

10.26714/mki.3.3.2020.191-207 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 191

Author(s):

Reina Dhamanik ◽

Anggorowati Anggorowati ◽

Sari Sudarmiati

Keyword(s):

Family Support ◽

Positive Mood ◽

Psychological Adaptation ◽

Well Being ◽

Individual Experience ◽

Adaptation Process ◽

Preventive Effort ◽

The Individual ◽

Postpartum Mothers ◽

First Time

Well-being is something that everyone, especially breastfeeding mothers, wants to achieve. Well-being is needed by postpartum mothers to play a new role optimally in the lactation process. The individual experience of breastfeeding is influenced by knowledge, positive affect and a lot of confidence in the breastfeeding process to achieve well-being during the postpartum psychological adaptation process. This study aims to describe the well-being of breastfeeding mothers. Literature review regarding the well-being of breastfeeding mothers using databases from ProQuest, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and Scopus obtained from 2008-2020 with a total of 10 articles. Synthesis analysis reveals seven aspects that affect the well-being of postpartum mothers in the breastfeeding process, such as 1) family support, 2) self-efficacy, 3) initiation in the first time breastfeeding. 4) positive mood, 5) awareness of self-acceptance, 6) negative obstetric experience, 7) knowledge. Postpartum mothers can improve well-being through the management of factors that influence postpartum psychological adaptation as a positive preventive effort in increasing the ability of the lactation process to prevent ineffective breastfeeding.

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The Regional Centralization of Electronic Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring and Its Impact on Neonatal Acidemia and the Cesarean Birth Rate

Journal of Pregnancy ◽

10.1155/2016/3658527 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kaori Michikata ◽

Hiroshi Sameshima ◽

Hirotoshi Urabe ◽

Syuichi Tokunaga ◽

Yuki Kodama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Fetal Heart Rate ◽

Birth Rate ◽

Fetal Heart ◽

Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring ◽

Cesarean Birth ◽

Cesarean Births ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact ◽

Before And After Study

Objective. The improvement of the accuracy of fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern interpretation to improve perinatal outcomes remains an elusive challenge. We examined the impact of an FHR centralization system on the incidence of neonatal acidemia and cesarean births.Methods. We performed a regional, population-based, before-and-after study of 9,139 deliveries over a 3-year period. The chi-squared test was used for the statistical analysis.Results. The before-and-after study showed no difference in the rates of acidemia, cesarean births, or perinatal death in the whole population. A subgroup analysis using the 4 hospitals in which an FHR centralization system was continuously connected (compliant group) and 3 hospitals in which the FHR centralization system was connected on demand (noncompliant group) showed that the incidence acidemia was significantly decreased (from 0.47% to 0.11%) without a corresponding increase in the cesarean birth rate due to nonreassuring FHR patterns in the compliant group. Although there was no difference in the incidence of nonreassuring FHR patterns in the noncompliant group, the total cesarean birth rate was significantly higher than that in the compliant group.Conclusion. The continuous FHR centralization system, in which specialists help to interpret results and decide clinical actions, was beneficial in reducing the incidence of neonatal acidemia (pH < 7.1) without increasing the cesarean birth rate due to nonreassuring FHR patterns.

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