Just another day in a woman's life? Women's long-term perceptions of their first birth experience. Part I.
This study explored and analyzed the long-term impact of the birth experience on a group of 20 women from the natural childbirth culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The data consisted of 1) a structured labor and birth questionnaire and an unstructured account of their experiences written shortly after their babies were born; 2) a similar questionnaire and account written 15 to 20 years later; and 3) a transcribed one- to one-and-a-half-hour interview during which each woman's memories and perceptions were discussed. Women reported that their memories were vivid and deeply felt. Those with highest long-term satisfaction ratings thought that they accomplished something important, that they were in control, and that the birth experience contributed to their self-confidence and self-esteem. They had positive memories of their doctors' and nurses' words and actions. These positive associations were not reported among women with lower satisfaction ratings.
Simkin
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D000328:Adult; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009321:Natural Childbirth / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception