Maternal Childbirth Experiences Among Primiparous Women: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Childbirth is both a physiological process and a profound psychosocial experience, with women’s perceptions of birth shaping their mental health and early mother-child relationships. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study involved five purposively selected primiparous mothers who had given birth in a government hospital in Ozamiz City within the last six months. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed following van Manen’s thematic-reflective approach. Ethical protocols, including informed consent, confidentiality, and institutional approval, were strictly observed. Findings revealed five major themes: (1) Corporeal Intensity, characterized by overwhelming pain, exhaustion, and the physical struggle of labor; (2) Spatial Vulnerability, reflecting mixed emotions of safety and discomfort within the hospital environment; (3) Temporal Distortion, describing childbirth as a slow, prolonged, and emotionally charged experience; (4) Relational Dynamics, highlighting the crucial role of support whether nurturing or distressing from healthcare workers and companions; and (5) Material Conditions, outlining how medical tools, procedures, and environmental stimuli shaped mothers’ sense of safety, anxiety, and emotional well-being. These findings illustrate that childbirth for first-time mothers is not merely a medical event but a complex interplay of bodily sensations, emotional challenges, relational encounters, and environmental influences. It was suggested that improving emotional support, enhancing hospital conditions, and fostering respectful healthcare interactions can significantly enhance the childbirth experiences of first-time mothers.