A qualitative exploration of women's and their partners' experiences of birth trauma in Australia, utilising critical feminist theory

Abstract

Background: Many women in Australia emerge from childbirth describing their experience as traumatic. Birth trauma can be both physical and psychological, with long-lasting and intergenerational impacts.

Aim: To explore women's and their partners' experiences of birth trauma in Australia and consider the role of gender using a feminist theoretical lens.

Methods: We used a descriptive phenomenological and constructivist/interpretivist approach and two frameworks (WHO Quality of Care framework; socio-ecological model) to explore experiences of traumatic birth. Participants were recruited through social media using purposive sampling. Data were collected through online in-depth interviews. Data were analysed thematically, considering gender and power dynamics using critical feminist theory.

Findings: 24 women and 4 male partners were interviewed. We identified 8 themes, including: Individual: birth grief and best laid plans; breastfeeding to regain identity after trauma. Interpersonal: impact of trauma on bonding with baby; partner trauma. Institutional: inadequate consent processes; to debrief or not to debrief. Community: more than a healthy baby. Policy: an augmented reality.

Discussion: Findings highlighted the impact of patriarchal maternity care systems and policies in undermining women's sense of control during birth, evident in high levels of labour augmentation and inadequate consent processes. This study draws attention to how gender shapes how birth trauma is expressed within both women's and their partners' identities as parents, their relationships, and society.

Conclusions: Recommendations include the development of women-centred policies for obtaining informed consent and training in trauma-informed care in maternity services. Further research must include the voices of women from diverse backgrounds.

Keywords: Australia; Childbirth; Maternal health; Maternity care; Qualitative research; Stress disorders, traumatic.