Abstract

Objective to explore women's experiences of caesarean section. Design a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. Data were collected using unstructured, tape-recorded interviews which took place between 1999 and 2000. Setting the South West of England. Participants twenty-one women who had experienced a caesarean section—either by choice or of necessity—and who were first- or second-time mothers. Findings four main categories emerged: expectations and reality, being in control, feelings of failure as a woman and feeling different. These all linked to the core category of achieving normality. Women strove to achieve normality after having a caesarean section. If they did not gain this sense of normality, the status passage to motherhood appeared to be more difficult. Implications for practice it is important for health-care professionals to identify and acknowledge the emotional and physical needs of women who experience a caesarean section. Improving communication and support antenatally and postnatally may have positive benefits for maternal well-being.