A Study To Assess The Childbirth Experiences Following Vaginal Deliveries Among Primipostnatal Mothers In Jipmer, Pondicherry

Abstract

Background Childbirth is a critical role transition in women’s lives. For a long time, the delivery process was primarily concerned with the mother's and the child's physical well-being and safety. But, over the last 20 years, the mother's subjective birth experience and emotional security have drawn more attention. The childbirth experiences not only affect mother’s health but also has an impact on her child and her family. Thus this study is conducted to assess the childbirth experience following vaginal deliveries among primipostnatal mothers and to identify the association between the selected socio-demographic variables & childbirth experience. Methods A quantitative research approach with cross-sectional descriptive design was used. 171 primipostnatal mothers who have delivered vaginally were selected using convenient sampling technique. Socio-demographic and Obstetric variables were collected in a General Information Sheet and Childbirth Experience was assessed by using a Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Results The present study revealed that among 171 prim postnatal mothers majority 154 (90.1%) had positive childbirth experience whereas 17 (9.9%) primipostnatal mothers reported negative childbirth experience. The association between duration of labour and   childbirth experience was found statistically significant (p=0.016). Conclusion The present study concluded that majority of primipostnatal mothers had positive childbirth experience and only few primipostnatal mothers reported negative childbirth experience. It was found out that only duration of labour had shown a statistically significant association with childbirth experience. Results of the study can be used to develop the care requested by women and improve certain aspects of care where negative experiences are prevailing.