Abstract
Background
Women seeking a vaginal birth after a caesarean section (VBAC) frequently want to
keep their subsequent labour and birth free from intervention. Water immersion (WI)
during labour is potentially an effective tool for women having a VBAC for its natural
pain-relieving properties. However, negotiating access to WI can be difficult, especially
in the context of VBAC.
Aim
To explore women's experiences of negotiating WI for labour and birth in the context
of VBAC.
Methodology
This Grounded Theory study followed Strauss and Corbin's framework and analytic process.
Twenty-five women planning or using WI for their VBAC labour or birth were recruited
from two midwifery practices and a social media group across Australia. Participants
were interviewed during pregnancy and/or postnatally.
Findings
‘Taking the reins’, the core category explaining the women’s experiences of assuming
authority over their birth, comprised five categories: ‘Robbed of my previous birth
experience’; ‘My eyes were opened’; ‘Water is my tool for a successful VBAC’; ‘Actioning
my choices and rights for WI’, and ‘Empowered to take back control’. ‘Wanting natural
and normal’ was the driving force behind women’s desire to birth vaginally. Two mediating
factors: Having someone in your corner and Rules for birth facilitated or hindered their birth choices, respectively.
Conclusion
The women became active participants in their healthcare by seeking information and
options to keep their birth experience natural and normal. Support from other women
and advocacy in the form of continuity of midwifery care was crucial in successfully
negotiating WI for their VBAC when navigating the complex health system.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 01, 2022
Accepted:
July 22,
2022
Received in revised form:
July 19,
2022
Received:
May 27,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Midwives. All rights reserved.
