A phenomenological study of women's experiences of complicated childbirth

Objective: to describe women's experiences of a complicated childbirth. Design: a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach, Data were collected by tape-recorded interviews. Setting: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden in 1995. Participants: IO women, eight primiparous and two multiparous, who were interviewed two to five days post delivery. Key findings: the essential meaning of women's experiences of complicated childbirth is the desire to be recognised and affirmed as a genuine subject. If this happens they feel accepted as childbearing women and as mothers-to-be, even if obstetric interventions are necessary and high technology is used. Implications for practice: by understanding and respecting every woman as an individual the caregivers support women giving birth and make them feel accepted, thus paving the way for them to gain control over the situation. Through a true dialogue resulting in a trustful relationship, the women can manage even emergency situations. Separation of the mother and her baby should be avoided if possible.