An examination of preferences of midwives and nurses regarding giving birth by cesarean section and their reasons: a qualitative study

SUMMARY

OBJECTIVE:  The aims of this study were to gain more comprehensive information about the preferences of midwives and nurses regarding cesarean childbirth and the reasons behind their decisions.

METHODS:  This study was made phenomenological research using a qualitative study with 16 midwives and nurses between 1 January and 30 December 2023, at a state hospital. Content analysis was performed on the data obtained from the interviews.

RESULTS:  The study led to the conclusions that midwives and nurses preferred the mode of cesarean delivery based on their doctor's advice, their desire to avoid taking any risks, and their fear of pain and complications that could arise in vaginal childbirth, but that they also encountered postoperative problems following the C-section procedure that included respiratory issues in the newborn, delays in lactation, and difficulties with breastfeeding. It was also found that the midwives and nurses were aware that they were in a position as health workers to influence women choosing a mode of delivery and that they could have a part in contributing to the rising cesarean rates.

CONCLUSION:  On the basis of these conclusions, it might be recommended that midwives and nurses recognize that they are role models in the community and as health workers, they must consider current evidence-based data when deciding on a mode of childbirth, and ground their health application decisions on scientific knowledge.

KEYWORDS:
C-section; Midwifery; Nurse; Reasons; Preferences