Mothers' views on vaginal birth after previous caesarean birth

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore mothers' views of the birth experience of a normal vaginal birth after a previous caesarean birth (VBAC). The objectives of this study included one to explore the mothers' experience with regards to the immediate physical recovery post normal vaginal delivery and caesarean birth, including caring for her newborn baby; to investigate overall maternal satisfaction after experiencing both modes of delivery, including information given prior to the birth of the baby. Ethical approval and other permissions were acquired from all the respective authorities. A self-administered structured questionnaire was utilized for this study. The sample was a purposive sample of 20 participants who had experienced a normal birth after a previous caesarean birth. A response rate of 85% was obtained. Data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics. The present study demonstrated various experiences and levels of satisfaction for both modes of deliveries, the results showed that most women were more satisfied than dissatisfied with their overall birth experience of both vaginal and caesarean birth. One of the downsides was that women were not well informed about caesarean birth. Most participants were satisfied with the physical care they received from the midwifery staff. Participants were satisfied with the pain relief they received after the normal birth whilst others were dissatisfied with the pain relief after the caesarean birth. After normal birth, participants had a faster physical recovery than in the caesarean birth. This study further demonstrates that after normal birth, participants were able to care for their baby much quicker than in the caesarean birth. It was also noted that all babies of normal vaginal birth were in good physical condition while some babies born by caesarean birth required special care.