Women's experiences of VBAC in Cyprus: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background and aim In 21st century, there has been an increasing interest in vaginal birth after previous caesarean section (VBAC) in Cyprus, a country with a very high operative birth rate. Research-based evidence of women’s VBAC experiences in Cyprus is non-existent, despite its significance for the well-being of mothers and families. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the women’s lived experience of VBAC in Cyprus. In this study women’s experiences of VBAC are explored for the first time in Cyprus. Method The study is qualitative and exploratory in nature. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 women, who experienced vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section (VBAC) in Cyprus. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed for the analysis of data. Results Analysis of data yielded four major themes: (a) medicalization of childbirth, (b) preparing for a VBAC, (c) birth environment, and (d) healing through VBAC. On the whole, the women interviewed described their previous experience of CS as traumatic, in contrast to vaginal childbirth. VBAC was considered an utterly positive experience that made the women feel empowered and proud of themselves. Conclusion This study offers valuable insight into a newly researched subject in Cyprus, which is necessary for advancing perinatal care in Cyprus. The findings indicate that women need evidence-based information, guidelines on birthing options, good preparation with tailored information and personalized care for a successful vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section. Proper, non-biased, consultations are a main factor that affects women’s choice of mode of birth. The introduction of new, women-friendly perinatal strategies that respect and promote childbirth rights is imperative in the case of Cyprus. All women have the right to exercise informed choice and the choice to alternative birthing options.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Children: A Keystone for Happiness in Society

“…The medicalized character of the health care system in Cyprus does not provide any of feelings of safety, support, and empathy to pregnant women and mothers. The lack of humane approach, support, bonding, insufficient presence of the doctor, abuse of power and psychological manipulation [33,36], feeling of being sources of money, feeling of exploitation of mothers in a vulnerable condition [54] all point to the urgent need for the development of a perinatal care system that provides for inclusion of pregnant women and mothers in decision-making processes, on the basis of their explicitly expressed needs [55][56][57].…”

“…Cyprus ranks first in combined CS and ELCS among other European countries at 56% [60]. Normal birth is accompanied with emotions of happiness and empowerment, while CS has been associated with feelings of fear, pain and stress, agony, and disappointment [36] often resulting in a traumatic childbirth experience.…”

“…Contextual factors beyond the scope of the individual woman are at play, including commercialization of medical service provision and a health system skewed toward maximal risk aversion. In this context, many midwives feel it is their ethical duty to advocate for women at low risk of birthing complications who desire a psychologically safe, non-medicalized birthing experience [36].…”

Decision‐making experiences and the need for decision aids in women considering vaginal birth after cesarean: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

“…For this review, we systematically surveyed, selected, and evaluated qualitative studies to identify key themes related to women's decision-making experiences and information needs about VBAC. Of the 15 studies selected, nine emphasized the decision-making process surrounding VBAC 6,[14][15][16]18,20,21,23,25 ; five illuminated the lived experiences of women undergoing VBAC 13,15,16,19,26 ; two addressed the specific information needs of women considering VBAC 13,21 ; and three analyzed the factors that motivated women to select VBAC. 6,20,27 McGrath's work has provided insight into the perceived risks of VBAC from varying health professional perspectives, including general practitioners, hospital obstetricians, and midwives.…”

Validation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the questionnaire for assessing the childbirth experience (QACE)

“…Childbirth experience is important because having a negative experience is linked to poorer mental health among postpartum women, which includes developing postpartum depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the fear of next childbirth [9][10][11]. Furthermore, there is compelling evidence that indicates that improving birth satisfaction enhances women's trust in facility-based care, which includes access to quality postnatal care [12][13][14].…”