The lived experience of mothers who give birth after induction of labour in hospital settings in Southern Ethiopia: a phenomenological study.

Abstract

Background: Induction of labor (IOL) is a medical intervention used to initiate labor artificially and has become one of the most common procedures in modern obstetrics to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. While extensive research has focused on the methods and outcomes of labor induction, limited evidence exists regarding mothers' lived experiences following IOL, particularly in the Ethiopian context.

Objective: To explore the lived experience of mothers who give birth after induction of labor at Wolaita Sodo Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2024.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted at Wolaita Sodo Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital between September and November 2023. Twelve postpartum mothers were purposively selected for in-depth interviews using a semi-structured guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and supplemented with field notes. Data were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-phase method, supported by Open Code Software Version 4.02. Trustworthiness was ensured through the application of Guba's criteria: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.

Result: Four main themes emerged: (1) emotional responses to IOL, (2) coping with IOL and support received, (3) challenges encountered during the induction process, and (4) perceived effects of IOL on the mother. Participants reported intense negative emotions such as pain, fear, anxiety, and distress. These feelings were exacerbated by systemic challenges, including overcrowded wards, lack of privacy, and inadequate environmental conditions in the labor ward.

Conclusion and recommendation: Mothers undergoing labor induction experience both positive and negative emotions. The stressful environment of the labor ward and the induction process negatively affect their emotional well-being. To improve maternal care outcomes, it is essential to foster effective communication between healthcare providers and mothers and to address the environmental challenges within the hospital setting.