Women's and providers' experiences of breech presentation in Jamaica: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Most research on breech relates to medical management of the malpresentation. Little is known about women's or providers' experiences of breech, an obstetrical complication.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to increase the understanding of women's and providers' experiences of breech presentation and to understand the effects of context on these experiences.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive research was conducted in a rural health district of Jamaica. Nine postpartum women who birthed singleton live born breech infants in the past year and five experienced obstetric care providers consented to participate. Content analysis was conducted with data from one-time interviews, observations, and hand searches of maternity ward delivery logs. Member checking was conducted with successive participants and Jamaican health care providers.

RESULTS

Findings included realizing the baby was breech, interpreting what breech meant, reacting to breech presentation, and identifying the impact of breech. Rates of breech births were less than 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Symbolic interaction can guide nursing and midwifery education, practice and research of breech presentation. Nurses and midwives can identify and teach women and their significant others about breech and its risks.