Childbirth Experience of Participants in Lamaze Childbirth Education

PURPOSEThis study was intended to explore the essential structure and the meanings of childbirth experiences among Korean women participated in Lamaze childbirth education. METHODSGiorgi's phenomenological method was used to analyze data collected by in-depth interviews with six primiparous women from March to July 2009. RESULTSFive components identified in the meanings of experience: 'Simplicity', 'Self-control', 'Uncontrollable pain', 'Spiritual maturity', 'Physiologic event'. CONCLUSIONThe study results revealed that the childbirth experience was positive generally, partially influenced by Lamaze childbirth education. But, meanings of childbirth experience with Lamaze childbirth education were mostly physiological respect related to labor pain or one's own efforts to endure labor pain. Therefore, nursing strategies for drawing emotional and socio-environmental experiences from childbirth experience with Lamaze childbirth education is needed.