Childbirth Education and Birth Experience: A Focus Group Study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to report birth experiences of women who participated in a childbirth education class. A qualitative study was conducted with thirteen women who participated this class of a training hospital. In data collection, a semi-structured interview form was used, and focus group interviews were performed. Their experiences were divided into positive effects, barriers, and expectations categories. Positive effects category was consisted of satisfaction, behavior-attitude change, childbirth experience and social support themes. Barriers category included disadvantages, attitudes of relatives and negative childbirth stories themes. Expectations category was consisted of participation reasons, qualified education, and qualified educator themes. Mothers were generally satisfied from participating this class. They stated that quality of given education and educators' qualifications in these classes should be increased and standart in all country. Also, it should be continuing in postpartum period and more accessible by using current technological applications so that all family members could participate.