Vulnerability in birth: A negative capability

Kaleidoscope of emotions in hospital childbirth: A phenomenological study

The childbirth process represents a moment of transition in the life of each woman, and is a source of complex and dynamic emotions. The aim of this study was to describe the emotions women experience during hospital childbirth and to determine the conditioning factors. A qualitative prospective study with a phenomenological approach was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 42 women. The negative emotions the women highlighted were fear, anguish, suffering, concern and nervousness, and they were related to factors such as: the evolution of childbirth, the appearance of complications, pain, the doubt about the ability to give birth and poor communication. The positive emotions highlighted were joy, satisfaction, security, confidence and tranquillity, and they were related to the first skin-to-skin contact, effective communication, partner support and participation in decisions. The findings may contribute to the development of policies aimed at achieving the women and newborns' maximum health and life potential.

Experiences of success and failure in childbirth

AIMS

To determine what kinds of birth-related experiences of success and failure are described by the participants, and whether there are differences according to fear of childbirth and parity. Studying these experiences is important for understanding the psychological mechanisms behind different childbirth experiences and their impact on maternal mental well-being.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal mixed methods study. Descriptions of the birth experiences of 113 Finnish participants were gathered in a survey at 4-8 weeks postpartum and analysed with content analysis. Fear of childbirth was determined antenatally with the Wijma Delivery Expectations scale (W-DEQ A).The number of success and failure expressions were compared between people with FOC and others and between primiparous and multiparous people.

RESULTS

The contents of the childbirth-related experiences of success and failure were categorised into 12 subcategories, organised under three higher-order categories that were named personal factors, course of childbirth, and support. The most typical expressions of success were in the categories of mode of birth, staff, and mental factors, and the most typical expressions of failure in the categories of staff and mental factors. Experiences of failure were more often expressed by primiparous than multiparous people, but there were no statistically significant differences by FOC. Expressions of success were equally common regardless of parity or FOC.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum people categorise aspects of their birth experiences in terms of success and failure. Primiparous people are more susceptible to experiencing failure at childbirth, but possible differences between people with FOC and other people warrant further investigation.

Women's experiences with hypnobirth - A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Hypnobirth is a technique that incorporates elements from hypnosis and is used to prepare women for birth. It aims to promote a normal birth and create a positive birth experience by equipping women with knowledge and tools to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain during labor. The objective of this study was to investigate women's experiences in using this technique during childbirth.

METHODS

Qualitative study with nine in-depth interviews, analysed using a descriptive phenomenological method.

RESULTS

The women changed their perspective on birth and got to know their inherent resources. They acquired various coping strategies and techniques that enhanced their sense of control. The women gained ownership of their birth and found their active participation to be meaningful. They were informed of different options concerning their birth which made it possible to make informed decisions. The participation in hypnobirth classes, and personal experience from giving birth, made women wish for integration of mental birth preparation in the public health service, thus strengthening women's trust in ther ability to give birth, which was pivotal to the participants' birth satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The participants experienced an empowered birth because of the knowledge, coping strategies and mental training they gained from hypnobirth classes.

["Helplessness, Giving up of Any Self-Responsibility and Self-Determination" - a Qualitative Evaluation of Traumatizing Birth Experiences in Relation to Birth Mode]

Background Childbirth is combined with emotional challenges and individual anxiety. Unexpected birth experiences can trigger stress reactions and even post-traumatic stress disorders. Aim of the study The aim of the study was the qualitative evaluation of stressful perceived birth experiences and desired interventions.Methods A content-analytic evaluation of 117 free-text answers was conducted regarding stressful birth experiences and desired interventions using categories and frequencies in relation to birth mode.Findings Five themes emerged from the structured free text analysis: 1) Stressful experiences describing fear concerning the child and separation from the child after an emergency caesarean section; 2) Inadequate communication after an operative vaginal birth and unplanned caesarean section; 3) Feelings of failure and guilt after unplanned birth modes; 4) Helplessness with loss of personal control and the feeling of being at the mercy after an emergency caesarean section; 5) Inadequate support due to the absence of empathy or insufficient care. Expected interventions include immediate debriefing and professional psychological support.Conclusion Women-centered communication during childbirth and debriefing of stressful birth experiences are significant interventions for strengthening maternal well-being and mental health. They can have a positive impact on the development of a healthy mother-child relationship.