The Mother??s Self-Esteem After a Cesarean Delivery

The impact of Childbirth experiences on women's sense of self: A review of the literature

“…Women are more likely to have a diminished sense of self following childbirth interventions such as forceps or caesarean section (Cox & Smith, 1982;Creedy, Shochet, & Horsfall, 2000;Fisher, Astbury, & Smith, 1997;Garel, 1987Garel, , 1988Gottlieb & Barrett, 1986;Trowell, 1982Trowell, , 1986). The medical model's approach to childbirth may cause difficulties with woman's transition to motherhood; the concept that childbirth is a rite of passage goes unnoticed although it is honoured as such in other societies (Kitzinger, 1992;Oakley, 1980).…”

Major Concerns of Women After Cesarean Delivery

“…Walker (1989) reported similar findings. Concerns with body image after cesarean birth also have been reported (Cox & Smith, 1982;Mercer & Stainton, 1984). …”

“…have reported feelings of depression, anxiety, guilt, less satisfaction with the birth experience, loss of control, and loss of self-esteem (Cox & Smith, 1982;Crowe & Von Baeyer, 1989;Hedahl, 1980;Tilden & Lipson, 1981;Trowell, 1982). Reportedly, unplanned or emergency cesarean birth is especially problematic (Affonso, 1977;Lipson & Tilden, 1980;Marut & Mercer, 1979).…”

Trusting enough to be out of control: a pilot study of women's sense of self during childbirth

“…In contrast, the experience of interventive childbirth practices such as caesarean section or forceps is more likely to lead to the woman's diminished sense of self (Cox and Smith 1982, Trowell 1982, Gottlieb and Barrett 1986, Trowell 1986, Garel 1987, 1988, Fisher, et al 1997, Creedy, Shochet and Horsfall 2000. Additionally, some evidence that a woman's positive sense of self may decrease her likelihood of developing postnatal depression highlights the importance of this research to midwives (Fontaine andJones 1997, Nieland andRoger 1997).…”