Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mary T. Verklan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes to obstetric care practices. While the changes aimed to decrease transmission and protect mothers and infants, the study revealed unintended consequences of the changes put in place during COVID-19. Currently, there is a gap in knowledge and understanding of how the changes in obstetric care practices affect women’s perceptions of the birth experience. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experience of mothers who gave birth in the health care setting during the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of those who experienced it. The research question was: What is the lived experience of women who delivered a baby in a healthcare setting during the COVID-19 pandemic? Qualitative methodology that applied an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was used to answer the research question. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants, eight identifying as White and two as African American, who had given birth during 2020 to 2022 and who met the other inclusion criteria for the study. The six overall themes that emerged from data analysis were (a) birth experience versus reality, (b) fear and isolation, (c) support from spouse or other family, (d) relationship with the health care team, (e) education and understanding, and (f) bright side and lessons learned, with additional subthemes identified within each theme. The insights gained from the study may foster positive social change by aiding in the current understanding of birth under the stressful conditions of a pandemic. The study may also guide practices that include shared decision-making, support during labor, and providing education that can decrease fear and anxiety and create a positive birth experience during challenging times.

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