Reframing birth: A consequence of cesarean section

Jennifer Fenwick, Jenny Gamble, Yvonne Hauck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to describe the childbirth expectations, influences and knowledge of a group of Western Australian women who experienced a cesarean section (CS) and would prefer a CS in a subsequent pregnancy. Background. Evidence suggests that a previous CS is not an indication for an elective CS in a subsequent pregnancy, but western world data indicate high probability of repeat CS. Methods. Community advertisements invited women who had experienced a CS to participate in a telephone interview. The thematic analysis presented in this paper is derived from data collected during 2003/2004 from 49 participants who had initially expected to birth vaginal but had a CS and who had planned a CS in a subsequent pregnancy or stated that they would choose this option in a future pregnancy. Findings. Before the first CS most women expected and wanted to give birth normally. After having a CS, however, many reframed vaginal birth as uncertain, unsafe and unachievable. For this group of women, the medical discourse that promoted CS as the safest option was a major influence on their decisions. As a result, they reconstructed CS as an acceptable alternative that was safer for them and their babies, allowed them to be better prepared, and was convenient. Conclusion. In the present climate, enabling women to keep birth 'fear' in perspective may be an important strategy if we are to improve the uptake of vaginal birth after CS and the quality of care offered to women during the normal, but major, life event of childbirth.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)121-130
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing
Volume56
Issue number2
Early online date3 Oct 2006
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cesarean section
  • Childbirth expectations
  • Empirical research report
  • Midwifery
  • Telephone interviews
  • Vaginal birth after cesarean section

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

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