On becoming a first-time mother after an emergency Caesarean section

Abstract

This qualitative research focused on the significance of subjective experience of mothers who gave birth in an emergency Caesarean section. Ten first-time mothers experiencing emergency Caesarean section were interviewed, and their narrative accounts were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. Mothers described alienation from the infant on encountering her/him; primal difficulties in holding; a 'mechanistic' pattern of childcare at home; over-apprehension and fear of a cradle-death. A few of the women seemed to cope with these experiences by performing 'a symbolic adoption' of their infants. In the context of object-relations theory, the findings, will potentially inform psychological care in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Post-natal psychopathology and bonding with the infant among first-time mothers undergoing a caesarian section and vaginal delivery: Sense of coherence and social support as moderators

“…Similar breastfeeding complications were exhibited in an emergency C-section group as well elsewhere (Zanardo et al, 2010). Finally, a qualitative study revealed that women undergoing emergency C-section experienced a 'fracture' in the process of the natural bond formation continuing from the pregnancy through the delivery and into the beginning of the life of the new infant (Herishanu-Gilutz, Shahar, Schattner, Kofman, & Holcberg, 2009).…”

A Meta-Synthesis of Women's Experiences of Cesarean Birth

“…One woman expressed her concerns, "No one actually sat down and talked. A negative perception of the birth also contributed to fears caring for the infant (Herishanu-Gilutz, Shahar, Schattner, Kofman, & Holcberg, 2009). I still get upset.…”

“…Feelings of failure, regardless of the reason for the cesarean, were expressed in a majority of the studies (Fenwick et al, 2003(Fenwick et al, , 2009Herishanu-Gilutz et al, 2009;Kealy et al, 2010;Liamputtong & Watson, 2006;Redshaw & Hockley, 2010;Yokote, 2008). Fenwick et al (2003) explained, "others felt 'a failure' and described how their bodies' inability to birth their baby was equated to a sense of being unable to fulfi ll their role as a woman" (p. 13).…”

“…Feelings of distress related to such separation were expressed in many of the studies (Fenwick et al, 2003(Fenwick et al, , 2009Herishanu-Gilutz et al, 2009;Porter et al, 2007). Feelings of distress related to such separation were expressed in many of the studies (Fenwick et al, 2003(Fenwick et al, , 2009Herishanu-Gilutz et al, 2009;Porter et al, 2007).…”

Taking personal responsibility for well-being increases birth satisfaction of first time mothers

“…Lack of understanding of the actions taken by medical personnel was another area of frustration (Fowles, 1998). Similarly, a study of women's experiences of emergency caesarean section reported disruption in mother-infant bonding described as 'alienation' from the baby, primal difficulties and fear (Herishanu-Gilutz et al, 2009).…”