Couples' experiences of natural childbirth: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Background: Few women have chosen natural childbirth. Husbands' views on this mode of delivery are of great value; however, there is a lack of studies on couples' experiences during delivery. Objective: This study explored the significance of couples' experiences with natural childbirth. Methods: Data were collected from July 2021 to May 2022 through face-to-face interviews with eight couples who had experienced natural childbirth. The interviews for each partner were conducted separately, with the dyad as the unit of analysis. Dyadic and interpretative phenomenological analyses were used. Results: Three essential themes were derived: 'women as the main actors in childbirth', 'unforgettable conjugal love', and 'development of family love from accomplishing something difficult together'. During childbirth, husbands supported their wives by saying 'You can do it', breathing with their wives, continuously massaging them, changing their positions, and helping them lean on them. Additionally, husbands perceived themselves as a part of the process. Conclusions: Natural childbirth is a transformative process in which a woman assumes the main role and experiences an unforgettable bond of conjugal love. She forms a familial bond with the child and with her husband. The husband's constant support is important in helping her endure childbirth. Thus, midwives can play a supportive role in the process so that couples understand the true meaning of natural childbirth.