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A feminist analysis of women's experiences of perineal trauma in the immediate post-delivery period

Salmon, Debra

Authors

Debra Salmon



Abstract

Objective: to provide an account of women's experiences of perineal trauma in the immediate post-delivery period. Design: qualitative, using unstructured interviews with broad questions about experiences of childbirth and perineal trauma. Setting: the South Wales. Participants: a snowball technique was employed to recruit six participants, all of whom were between 25 and 40 years of age, white, British and had had access to further education. Findings: the women identified several factors which informed their experience. Of significance to midwives are the following: the doctor - 'patient' relationship, particularly in relation to gender, not feeling heard, the expression of feelings; and a lack of available information and advice. Key conclusions and implications for practice: the study identified some of the reasons why women sufferers find it difficult to get these issues on the health-care agendae and the need for more research. Improvements in care are necessary in the areas of interpersonal skills and perineal suturing. Listening to women is the key to responsive care. © 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Citation

Salmon, D. (1999). A feminist analysis of women's experiences of perineal trauma in the immediate post-delivery period. Midwifery, 15(4), 247-256. https://doi.org/10.1054/midw.1999.0182

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 1999
Journal Midwifery
Print ISSN 0266-6138
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 4
Pages 247-256
DOI https://doi.org/10.1054/midw.1999.0182
Keywords feminist, women, perineal trauma, post delivery period
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1096235
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1054/midw.1999.0182