“Talk to me, not at me”: obese women’s experiences of birth and their encounter with birth attendants—a qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To explore the birth experiences of obese women in regard to their encounter with birth attendants.

Methods: Qualitative, in-depth interviews with 10 women were conducted in February 2020. Data were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological method.

Results: Four interrelated constituents were identified: The preconception and prejudice of being unhealthy and less able; Being unique among all the other unique women; “Talk to me, not at me”—the importance of information and communication, and; Feeling secure enough to be in the 'birthing bubble'.

Conclusion: For the women in our study, being obese meant experiencing challenges as well as opportunities during childbirth and in their encounter with birth attendants. Experiences of preconceptions, alienation, a focus on risk and a loss of autonomy in encounters with birth attendants were found to negatively impact the birthing process. The women desired affirmative and inclusive encounters; these kinds of encounters may improve the birth experiences of obese women.

KEYWORDS:

• Experience
• obesity
• childbirth
• birth attendants
• midwives
• phenomenology

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the participants for taking the time to share their personal experiences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Katrin Erna Thorbjörnsdottir

Katrín Erna Thorbjörnsdottir is a registered nurse and midwife. She has a Bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Akureyri, Iceland, and a Master’s degree in Midwifery from the University of South-Eastern Norway. She currently works as a midwife at Stavanger University Hospital.

Ida Emilie Karlsen

Ida Emilie Karsen is a registered nurse and midwife. She has a Bachelor's degree in nursing from the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, and a Master’s degree in Midwifery from the University of South-Eastern Norway. She currently works as a midwife at Telemark Hospital, Skien.

Bente Dahl

Bente Dahl is Associate Professor and leader of Centre for Women’s, Family and Child Health at the University of South-Eastern Norway. Her publications reflect her research interests in increasing equity in midwifery care for marginalized and disadvantaged groups of women as well as her interest in qualitative methods.

Idun Røseth

Idun Røseth is Adjunct Associate Professor and clinical psychologist in the field of infant and toddler mental health. Her research focuses on perinatal mental health problems and parent-child interaction.