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ABUSE‐RELATED POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS AND DESIRED MATERNITY CARE PRACTICES: WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVES
Author(s) -
Seng Julia S.,
Sparbel Kathleen J. H.,
Low Lisa Kane,
Killion Cheryl
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1016/s1526-9523(02)00284-2
Subject(s) - referral , sexual abuse , medicine , nursing , maternity care , qualitative research , psychology , suicide prevention , psychiatry , poison control , family medicine , medical emergency , health care , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Qualitative research participants who self‐identified as having a history of childhood sexual abuse and abuse‐related posttraumatic stress during the childbearing year were interviewed for the purpose of determining what these women perceive as optimal maternity care. Using a process of narrative analysis, desired care practices were identified. With the exception of one woman, all of the study participants wanted their maternity care provider to be competent to address trauma‐related needs. Three groups emerged from the data, providing a useful structure for informing providers on how best to respond to diverse abuse‐survivor clients: 1) women far along in recovery, 2) women who were not safe, and 3) women who were not ready to “know.” The first group had the best trauma‐related and maternity outcomes and the best childbearing experiences. For these women, having a provider who was a “collaborative ally” seemed beneficial. The second group had safety needs that required a “compassionate authority figure” who offered referral and follow‐up care. Women in the third group were not ready to address trauma‐related symptoms or issues overtly and appeared to need a provider who was a “therapeutic mentor.” Four assessment factors help providers determine how to respond.