Understanding the lived experience of Filipino mothers on water birth

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>PURPOSE:</strong> The study purported to explore the lived experience of a select group of Filipino mothers who had undergone water birth delivery.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>DESIGN:</strong> A qualitative, descriptive phenomenology research design was used to investigate the phenomenon. The sample (N=10) was comprised of women who had undergone water birth, 25-45 years old, primiparous and multiparous. A self-report method using face-to-face, in depth, semi structured interviews guided by an aide memoire abetted the data collection procedure. The principles of beneficence, respect for human dignity, and justice were observed throughout the research process.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>MODE OF ANALYSIS:</strong> Significant statements were culled from the field text and analyzed using Colaizzi method. The validation techniques of members checking and critical friends were utilized.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>FINDINGS:</strong> The findings revealed that mothers found the experience extraordinary and the warmth and buoyancy of the water used in such mode foster comfort and ease of delivery while enabling them to manage their pains positively. Four themes emerged namely (1) In her own private world; (2) At her fullest power; (3) To her ease and comfort; and (4) At her own course.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Research in recent times has provided limited evidence in making water birth a prevalent alternative for women to welcome their babies into this world. It is vital to focus on the experience of water birth from the mother's lens. Water birth has potential benefits to both mother and neonate and promotes maternal satisfaction; however, it remains the responsibility of health practitioners to provide credible evidence of its safety to prove that water birth is a valuable option to conventional delivery.</p>