The purpose of this study was to understand and contextualise the childbirth experiences of first-time mothers who planned to have a natural childbirth (without medical intervention) in the Midsouthern United States.
Using narrative inquiry, we collected data from six participants through semi-structured life-story interviews.
Utilising thematic analysis, four recurring themes emerged: (1) benefits and limitations of pre-labour self-education; (2) labouring women's experiences of relationality; (3) the importance of birth stories and expectations; and (4) the creation of false dilemmas and complexities of “informed choice.”
The women's stories suggest that U.S. medical establishments, the media, and society need to empower pregnant and birthing women by creating new narratives of labour and positive spaces of relationality. Furthermore, health care professionals need to critically examine their usage of the medical model of care while respecting women's choices and agency.