Sammanfattning
Prolonged labour is a common
delivery complication, which
causes considerable suffering
both for the mother and the child.
Aim: The aim of the study was
to illuminate the experience/
feelings of childbirth among
mothers with prolonged labour.
Subjects and Methods: Four
mothers with prolonged labour
were interviewed, one month
after delivery. The interviews
were analysed using a content
thematic analysis.
Results: The narratives about
giving birth were interpreted as a
struggle in uncertainty.
Themes such as An unsure start
and A slow and painful beginning
illustrate the feelings connected
with prolonged labour. The lack
of strength to give birth expresses
a painful and destructive process.
Themes like When strength is
insufficient and To lose control
relate to the poor uterine activity
and describe the difficulties
of the childbirth experience.
When the strength to give
birth is lacking the experience of
becoming a mother ends in
a physical and psychological
exhaustion. Relief from the pain
is overwhelming and An unsure
and a careful beginning are
themes expressing the immediate
sense of becoming a mother.
Conclusions: The suffering
before the onset of labour and
during labour and the ineffective
care could only be relieved by the
decision to assist delivery.