Women's Experience of Cesarean Section: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS Having a positive or negative experience of labor affects the method of delivery women select for their next pregnancy. Having a positive experience also helps women feel in control, thus improving the relationship between them and their babies and the quality of care they are able to provide. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to understand women's experiences of having a C-section and to determine their feelings and thoughts on this subject in the early postpartum period. MATERIAL and METHODS This was a qualitative descriptive design study. A total of 27 women who had given birth by C-section in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a university hospital between November 2016 and February 2017 were included in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire form for socio-demographic information and a semi-structured interview that discussed the women's experience of C-section. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method. RESULTS Five categories were identified with regard to women's experiences of C-section. These were "their knowledge about C-sections," "their feelings about the decision to give birth by C-section," "their feelings immediately before delivery" "their experiences after the C-section," and "their opinions on the effects of the C-section on their relationships with their babies." CONCLUSION The women viewed a C-section as a surgical intervention. They experienced fear and anxiety when going into the operating theater and suffered mostly from afterpains. Healthcare professionals should be aware of women's experiences and should develop practices that allow them to express their thoughts and feelings about cesarean birth.