The experiences of parents where pregnancy ended in an unplanned caesarean section.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the experiences of parents prior to, during and following an unplanned caesarean section. Parents who experienced this event had mixed emotions. The related occurrences may have influenced their behavior and consequently their relationships with their spouses, themselves and their environment. These continually interacted with each other and thus needed to be looked at in context. "The Nursing of the Whole Person Theory" ensured a holistic approach to the parents. Unstructured, in-depth interviews held with five mothers and five fathers, respectively, on day three post-delivery, were transcribed and analysed. At six weeks a follow-up semi-structured questionnaire was answered by these same respondents and analysed. The experiences of the parents were then compared. A literature survey was undertaken in order to determine the conclusion of other researchers in this field, the results of which were compared with those of the present study and conclusions were reached. Recommendations concerning nursing practice, education and further study were made at the end of the study. A list of limitations affecting the study is included.