Just Another Day in a Woman's Life? Women's Long‐Term Perceptions of Their First Birth Experience. Part I

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Abstract
This study explored and analyzed the long‐term impact of the birth experience on a group of 20 women from the natural childbirth culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The data consisted of 1) a structured labor and birth questionnaire and an unstructured account of their experiences written shortly after their babies were born; 2) a similar questionnaire and account written 15 to 20 years later; and 3) a transcribed one‐ to one‐and‐a‐half‐hour interview during which each woman's memories and perceptions were discussed. Women reported that their memories were vivid and deeply felt. Those with highest long‐term satisfaction ratings thought that they accomplished something important, that they were in control, and that the birth experience contributed to their self‐confidence and self‐esteem. They had positive memories of their doctors' and nurses' words and actions. These positive associations were not reported among women with lower satisfaction ratings.

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