“From Hell to Healed” – A Qualitative Study on Women’s Experience of Recovery, Relationships and Sexuality after Severe Obstetric Perineal Injury

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Huber ◽  
Katarina Tunon ◽  
Maria Lindqvist
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Anal Sphincter Injury ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
The Right

Abstract Background: Few studies have investigated women’s experiences of daily life after childbirth complicated by obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). The aim of the present study was to explore experiences related to recovery, sexual function, relationships and coping strategies among women affected by OASI. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted using a purposive sample of 11 women affected by OASI. Women were interviewed 1-2 years after their first childbirth. Inductive qualitative content analysis was applied.Results: The theme “From hell to healed” illustrates women’s experiences of recovery, relationships and sexual function after OASI. Three categories addressing women’s perceptions emerged: “Challenged to the core”, “At the mercy of the care provider” and “For better or for worse”. Support from partners and family and comprehensive care were important elements for the experiences of coping and healing from OASI. Elements that negatively influenced women’s experiences were the pain and physical symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, normalization of symptoms by heath care providers, and unrealistic expectations about how this period in life should be experienced.Conclusions: OASI greatly affects women’s experiences of their first years with their newborn child, relationships, social context and sexuality. For some women, OASI negatively affects everyday life for a long period after childbirth. However, others heal and cope quite quickly. Health care professionals need to identify and pay attention to women with persisting problems after OASI so that they can be directed to the right level of care.

scholarly journals Women’s experiences of the OASI Care Bundle; a package of care to reduce severe perineal trauma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Posy Bidwell ◽  
Nick Sevdalis ◽  
Louise Silverton ◽  
James Harris ◽  
Ipek Gurol-Urganci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Form ◽  
Perineal Trauma ◽  
Care Bundle ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Psychosocial Disorders ◽  
Anal Sphincter Injury ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Manual Perineal Protection

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a severe form of perineal trauma that can occur during vaginal birth. Long-term morbidities include anal incontinence and psychosocial disorders. To reduce these injuries within England, Scotland and Wales, the OASI Care Bundle was introduced to 16 maternity units (January 2017–March 2018). The OASI Care Bundle comprises four elements: (1) antenatal information, (2) manual perineal protection, (3) medio-lateral episiotomy (when indicated) and 4) recognition and diagnosis of tears. As part of the project evaluation, a qualitative study was conducted to explore women’s experiences of the OASI Care Bundle. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women (n = 19) who received the OASI Care Bundle as part of their maternity care. This was to explore their experience of each element. A thematic analysis of the interview data was performed. Results Three themes were identified: (1) memories of touch, whereby women reported that a ‘hands-on’ approach to perineal protection was a positive experience; (2) midwife as a supportive guide, where women reported that good communication facilitated a calm birth and post-birth diagnosis; (3) education: women need more information about perineal trauma. Conclusion This study contributes to the literature through its exploration of women’s experiences of perineal protection techniques and diagnosis of perineal trauma. Interviewed women indicated that they did not experience any of the care bundle elements as an intrusion of their physical integrity. Additionally, an urgent need was identified for more information about perineal trauma in terms of risk, prevention and recovery.

scholarly journals “They’re very passionate about making sure that women stay healthy”: a qualitative examination of women’s experiences participating in a community paramedicine program

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M. Schwab-Reese ◽  
Lynette M. Renner ◽  
Hannah King ◽  
R. Paul Miller ◽  
Darren Forman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Holistic Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Early Motherhood ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Community Paramedicine ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Physician Extenders

Abstract Background Community paramedicine programs (i.e., physician-directed preventive care by emergency medical services personnel embedded in communities) offer a novel approach to community-based health care. Project Swaddle, a community paramedicine program for mothers and their infants, seeks to address (directly or through referrals) the physical, mental, social, and economic needs of its participants. The objective of this process evaluation was to describe women’s experiences in Project Swaddle. By understanding their experiences, our work begins to build the foundation for similar programs and future examinations of the efficacy and effectiveness of these approaches. Methods We completed 21 interviews with women living in Indiana (July 2019–February 2020) who were currently participating in or had graduated from Project Swaddle. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a six-phase approach to thematic analysis. Results Program enrollment was influenced by the community paramedics’ experience and connections, as well as information received in the community from related clinics or organizations. Participants viewed the community paramedic as a trusted provider who supplied necessary health information and support and served as their advocate. In their role as physician extenders, the community paramedics enhanced patient care through monitoring critical situations, facilitating communication with other providers, and supporting routine healthcare. Women noted how community paramedics connected them to outside resources (i.e., other experts, tangible goods), which aimed to support their holistic health and wellbeing. Conclusions Results demonstrate Project Swaddle helped women connect with other healthcare providers, including increased access to mental health services. The community paramedics were able to help women establish care with primary care providers and pediatricians, then facilitate communication with these providers. Women were supported through their early motherhood experience, received education on parenting and taking control of their health, and gained access to resources that met their diverse needs.

scholarly journals Menopause Is a Natural Stage of Aging: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
IMPS Ilankoon ◽  
Kerstin Samarasinghe ◽  
Carina Elgán
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Religious Activities ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences

Abstract Background Menopause is a biopsychosocial phenomenon encompassing the transition in a woman’s life from being fertile to infertile. Although menopause may result in extremely unpleasant physical symptoms there is evidence of a low rate of reported menopausal symptoms amongst women in Asian cultures. Women’s experiences, views, and responses to menopause which influences women’s daily life and well-being, may vary between different societies and cultures. This study aimed to explore and describe menopausal experiences among women in Sri Lanka. Methods A qualitative exploratory research was conducted among postmenopausal women of 46-55 years of age in the western province of Sri Lanka. Individual interviews with a purposive sample of 20 women were conducted, and data analysis was done using manifest and latent content analysis. Results The results consist of an overall theme, “Menopause is a natural stage of aging” and three categories “Entering a new stage”, “Managing menopause” and “Not the end of life” which emerged from 34 codes. The overall theme highlights that changes in menopause were experienced as a natural change in life, with health problems that are normal for this change and handled with different self-care practices. The category “Entering a new stage” describes the women becoming aware of menopause and its bodily changes. The category “Managing menopause” describes women’s experiences of being able to find their own remedies to ease the menopausal symptoms and by engaging in religious activities and focusing on interaction with people. The category, “Not the end of life” describes women's views of themselves as still valuable because menopause was experienced as a natural part of their lives. Conclusion Women in Sri Lanka managed menopausal problem mainly on their own as they viewed the menopause as a natural stage of aging risking unnecessary suffering and failure to detect preventable complications. Enabling support groups for menopausal women and improving on their health-seeking behaviour by encouraging them to take part in screening for cervical and breast cancer would improve their condition. Further information on additional hormone therapy with a, subsequent follow-up and evaluation by community health nurses and/or midwives, would facilitate Sri Lankan women's transition to menopause.

scholarly journals Experiences of First-Time Mothers With Persistent Pelvic Girdle Pain After Childbirth: Descriptive Qualitative Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
pp. 1354-1364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Wuytack ◽  
Elizabeth Curtis ◽  
Cecily Begley
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Pelvic Girdle ◽  
Pelvic Girdle Pain ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
First Time Mothers ◽  
Women's Lives ◽  
First Time ◽  
Descriptive Qualitative

BackgroundPelvic girdle pain (PGP) is common during pregnancy and negatively affects women's lives. When PGP persists after the birth, the way it affects women's lives may change, particularly for first-time mothers as they adjust to motherhood, yet the experiences of women with persistent PGP remain largely unexplored.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore primiparous women's experiences of persistent PGP and its impact on their lives postpartum, including caring for their infant and their parental role.DesignThis was a descriptive qualitative study.MethodsFollowing institution ethical approval, 23 consenting primiparous women with PGP that had started during pregnancy and persisted for at least 3 months postpartum participated in individual interviews. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) “Putting up with the pain: coping with everyday life,” in which women put up with the pain but had to balance activities and were grateful for support from family and friends to face everyday challenges; (2) “I don't feel back to normal,” in which women's feelings of physical limitations, frustration, and a negative impact on their mood were described; (3) “Unexpected,” in which persistent symptoms were unexpected for women due to a lack of information given about PGP; and (4) “What next?,” in which the future of women's symptoms was met with great uncertainty, and they expressed worry about having another baby.ConclusionFor first-time mothers, having persistent PGP postpartum affects their daily lives in many ways. These findings provide important information for health care providers, which will improve their understanding of these women's experiences, will enhance rapport, and can be used to provide information and address concerns to optimize maternity care during pregnancy and beyond.

Women’s experiences of pelvic inflammatory disease: Implications for health-care professionals

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 618-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Newton ◽  
Christine Bayly ◽  
Christopher K Fairley ◽  
Marcus Chen ◽  
Louise Keogh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences

scholarly journals STUDI FENOMENOLOGI TENTANG PENGALAMAN WANITA DI DAERAH PEDESAAN DALAM MENJALANI MASA KEHAMILAN PERTAMA

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-69
Author(s):  
Yati Afiyanti
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Expectant Mothers ◽  
Need For Support

AbstrakKehamilan seringkali dianggap sebagai periode transisi dalam kehidupan seorang wanita. Suatu studi kualitatif secara hermeneutic fenomenologi telah dilakukan untuk mengeksplorasi berbagai pengalaman wanita di daerah pedesaan dengan kehamilan pertamanya termasuk pengalaman mereka menerima pelayanan kesehatan dari para praktisi kesehatan Data studi ini diperoleh dari 9 ibu muda, dikumpulkan melalui wawancara formal tidak berstruktur yang mendalam sebanyak dua kali di rumah partisipan masing-masing. Wawancara direkam kemudian dibuat dalam bentuk transkrip wawancara. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan berbagai pengalaman wanita yang bervariasi. Kebanyakan ibu muda dalam studi ini mengalami kesulitan mengatasi berbagai ketidaknyamanan fisik dan psikologis akibat kehamilan dan mengalami kecemasan menghadapi proses kelahiran bayi mereka. Mereka membutuhkan dukungan dan bantuan, baik dari para praktisi kesehatan maupun anggota keluarga. Dengan hasil studi ini, diharapkan para praktisi kesehatan akan lebih memahami harapan-harapan seorang ibu hamil untuk dapat menjalani masa kehamilannya dengan sehat dan sejahtera. AbstractPregnancy often assumed as transition period in the woman’s life. A Qualitative studi, using fenomenology hermeunetic was carried out to explore women’s experiences in rural area of their first pregnancy, included their experiences received from the health care provider. Data were obtained from 9 women whose unstructured formal interviews were tape-recorded dan transcribed. Interviews were conducted in the women’s homes on two occasions during pregnancy. The findings reported the women’s experiences were varied and diverse. Most had difficulty coping with the physical and emotional symptoms of pregnancy. Loss of control caused anxiety toward with their childbirth The need for support emerged as important from their family and the health care providers. The findings of this study will provide the health care providers deeper understanding about the expectances of new expectant mothers with their first pregnancy, healthy dan wellness.

scholarly journals Somaliland women’s perception of stillbirth - a descriptive survey study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari-Cristin Malm ◽  
Fatumo Osman ◽  
A. Ahmed Ibrahim ◽  
H. Farah Hasan ◽  
Kerstin Erlandsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Study Results

Background: Somali women, not only those living in Somaliland but also those living abroad as asylum seekers and refugees, are highly vulnerable in terms of perinatal health outcomes. Respectful and supportive care is critical for all women when stillbirth occurs and improving bereavement care and reducing the stigma that surrounds stillbirth are global priorities. Culturally- and context-specific approaches that build on an understanding of the needs of women giving birth to a stillborn baby, no matter where or why, are required. Objective: This study aims to investigate and analyze Somali women’s experiences of stillbirth, including their perceived reasons for losing their unborn baby, the premonitions they had before giving birth and their experiences of psychosocial support from healthcare professionals and relatives. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted at the Borama regional hospital in Somaliland. A study-specific questionnaire was developed that gathered personal information and data on topics related to women’s experiences of stillbirth. Women who had either experienced a stillbirth at the hospital or had been referred there after a stillbirth 2015 were approached and 75 women agreed to participate in the study. Results: Most of the women were multiparas and had experienced a previous stillbirth. Before having it confirmed that their baby was no longer alive most of the woman reported that they had felt no fetal movements and had a premonition that something was wrong. The most common perceived cause of stillbirth that the women reported was prolonged labour followed by a ‘big baby’. Thirty-three women (44%) felt it was important to know the cause of the stillbirth and eight reported feeling angry or disappointed (11 %) with the health care providers who assisted them during labour, birth, or post-partum, although 41 women (55%) were satisfied with their treatment. A third of the women blamed themselves for their stillbirth and a majority spoke to others about it. Conclusions: Our results show that women in Somaliland share similar perceptions of stillbirth as women in high income countries. This raises important implications for antenatal care and preventive interventions and stressed the need to respond to women’s concerns regardless of background, context or setting. A maternal healthcare approach that is equal in its global application must be established to enable health care providers to give relevant information and care both in the cultural setting of Somaliland and elsewhere in the world where Somali-born women live and give birth.

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