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Abstract
Objective: the objective of this study is to establish a greater understanding of the emotional and cognitive mechanisms associated with caesarean delivery. Method: 201 women who had given birth in the previous year (58 by caesarean) responded to 3 scales: the Labor Agentry Scale (LAS) evaluating sense of control during the delivery, the Maternal Self Report Inventory (MSRI) measuring the level of maternal self-esteem and the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ) assessing the degree of unconditional self-acceptance. Results: women who had undergone a planned or an emergency caesarean had a lower sense of control and reduced maternal self-esteem when compared to women who had spontaneous vaginal delivery. The sense of control at the delivery had a mediating role in the relationship between the delivery mode and the level of maternal self-esteem. No significant difference was found for unconditional self-acceptance concerning the type of delivery. Conclusions: delivery by caesarean has repercussions regarding women’s beliefs. Giving a sense of control at the birth and unconditional self-acceptance should be of central importance in improving maternal self-esteem.