Abstract
Problem
There is minimal evidence regarding the role or impact of birth plans from the perspective
of women experiencing scheduled caesarean birth.
Background
Quality maternity care requires respect for women’s preferences. Evidence suggests
birth plans enable communication of women’s preferences and may enhance agency when
vaginal birth is intended, however there is limited evidence of how this translates
in the perioperative environment where caesarean birth is the intended outcome.
Aim
Explore the experiences and perspectives of women who had utilised a scheduled caesarean
birth plan at an Australian tertiary maternity hospital.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used; 294 participants completed the survey within two
weeks post-birth. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, qualitative
responses were analysed using content analysis.
Findings
Over half of the women requested lowering of the surgical-screen at birth, most requested
immediate skin-to-skin with their babies; around two-thirds of these preferences were
met. Use of a birth plan for scheduled caesarean section supported women’s ability
to communicate their desires and choices, enhancing agency and reinforcing the significance
of the caesarean birth experience. Qualitative data revealed two main categories:
Perceptions and experiences; and Recommendations for improvement, with corresponding
sub-categories.
Discussion
Findings provide unique opportunities to consider the provision of woman-centred care
within the highly technocratic perioperative environment.
Conclusion
All women, regardless of birth mode, have a right to respectful maternity care that
prioritises their wishes and agency. This study provides evidence for the positive
utility of birth plans in caesarean birth, local adaptation is encouraged.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 19, 2022
Accepted:
September 2,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 2,
2022
Received:
May 31,
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.
