The Role of Spirituality in the Lived Experiences of Women with Natural Childbirth after Cesarean Section: A Phenomenological Study

Natural childbirth after cesarean section or V-back is increasing in Iran. However, the decision to perform V-back is very stressful and challenging for mothers and their families due to the low information about it. Examining the lived experiences of mothers who were able to choose and carry out natural childbirth after cesarean despite the current situation and have experience with both types of delivery can be useful for the country's health managers in making decisions and providing implementation plans and programs. It also improves the health of mothers and the future generation, as well as helps to solve the country's demographic challenges, and may help mothers choose the optimal and healthy method of childbirth for themselves and their loved ones. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of examining the psychological functioning and explaining the lived experiences of these mothers.

This study was conducted with a qualitative approach and using the hermeneutic phenomenological method in the period of 2021 to 2022. The participants in this research were 17 women with a history of natural childbirth after one, two, or three previous cesarean sections, who were selected in a targeted manner and with a maximum diversity approach. Data were collected through in-depth individual and face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the seven-step method of Dickelman et al.

In the data analysis, one of the main themes called "spirituality" was identified. This theme was formed by three sub-themes: "Spiritual capital with the use of spiritual intelligence", "Effort and Trust" and "Prayer and Appeal".

From the data analysis, it was concluded that the role of spirituality has been very effective in creating the purposefulness and resilience needed to overcome the fears and challenges in the path of V-back.