Cesarean support groups: mutual help and education.
In the context of the natural childbirth movement and a recent sharp rise in the cesarean birthrate, an unexpected cesarean can be a source of acute psychological stress. Cesarean support groups provide information, peer emotional support, a reference group and role models, and an opportunity to help others, as well as increasing consumer activism in the health care system. Illustrations are drawn from participant observation in two support groups and interviews of selected participants.
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States