Mode of delivery: confusions between choice and autonomyThis study aimed to investigate individuals’ understanding of the relationship between autonomy and the choice of mode of delivery. The researchers conducted a qualitative study using a collective case study approach, analyzing 30 birth accounts published in personal blogs about experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. The results indicate confusion between the notions of choice and autonomy in childbirth among the parents whose accounts were analyzed. Considering that a cesarean section should only be performed when medically indicated, the findings suggest that framing the procedure as a matter of choice to comfort parents legitimize the notion of the cesarean section as a consumer good. At the same time, the study highlights the importance of clinical listening during prenatal care, which can help identify cases where a cesarean section is preferred due to emotional factors.
Keywords
Cesarean section; Childbirth; Humanizing delivery