Achieving normality: the key to status passage to motherhood after a caesarean section.
OBJECTIVE
to explore women's experiences of caesarean section.


METHODS
a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. Data were collected using unstructured, tape-recorded interviews which took place between 1999 and 2000.


METHODS
the South West of England.


METHODS
twenty-one women who had experienced a caesarean section-either by choice or of necessity-and who were first- or second-time mothers.


RESULTS
four main categories emerged: expectations and reality, being in control, feelings of failure as a woman and feeling different. These all linked to the core category of achieving normality. Women strove to achieve normality after having a caesarean section. If they did not gain this sense of normality, the status passage to motherhood appeared to be more difficult.


CONCLUSIONS
it is important for health-care professionals to identify and acknowledge the emotional and physical needs of women who experience a caesarean section. Improving communication and support antenatally and postnatally may have positive benefits for maternal well-being.
Fenwick
Susan
S
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury, Wilts, UK. suefen@btinternet.com
Holloway
Immy
I
Alexander
Jo
J
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000523:psychology*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult