First time around: the experiences of first time mothers in obtaining information on pregnancy, childbirth and maternity care options in New Zealand

Abstract

Becoming pregnant for the first time is a unique experience for every woman, and necessitates absorbing a great deal of information. The ability to make informed choices is of utmost importance to women at all stages of pregnancy and childbirth, however recent research in New Zealand and overseas has indicated that women do not get adequate information at this critical time. This qualitative research project explores the experiences of ten first time mothers in obtaining information on pregnancy, childbirth and maternity care options in New Zealand. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with individual women between July and September 2000. Participants were accessed through personal social networks, and 'snowballing' to other women. The group of women interviewed for this research identified themselves as Pakeha, and ranged in age between 28 and 34. This is not a representative sample, as is acknowledged in the body of this work. Nine of the women interviewed had a 'shared care' arrangement between either a general practitioner or a specialist obstetrician and a midwife. One woman had midwife led care. The majority of the women interviewed made their decision about their care arrangement either at their confirmation of pregnancy appointment, or in consultation with their general practitioner. The most important factors associated with attitudes towards information were the relationship with the maternity carers, and the presence of family support or informative support from friends. Recommendations to other first time mothers were made in terms of obtaining information, as were suggestions for improvements in the imparting of information by maternity professionals.