Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Womens Perception Of Their Childbirth Expereinces: An Integrated Literature Review, Nancy M. Farmer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pregnancy and childbirth are a unique and sacred time in many womens' lives and the process of giving birth often leaves women and families in a vulnerable position.

This integrated literature review examined birthing experiences from the maternal perspective and focused on the short-term and long-term implications of negatively perceived maternal experiences. While there are several international studies, only a few have been published studies from the United States.

The integrated review showed a significant impact of provider-client communication and shared decision making on a woman's overall perception of her birthing experience. Reports of excess intervention, lack of informed consent, …