Engaging with the 'modern birth story' in pregnancy: A hermeneutic phenomenological study of women's experiences across two generations

摘要: This in-depth qualitative study considered how women from two different generations came to understand birth in the context of their own experience but also milieu other women’s stories. For purposes this thesis story (described as ‘modern story’) encompassed personal oral stories well media and representations contemporary childbirth, all which had potential elicit emotional responses generate meaning interlocutor. The research utilised a hermeneutic phenomenological approach underpinned by philosophies Heidegger Gadamer. methodology allowed significance engaging with be grasped, insights into meanings lived for phenomenon made. Twenty participants were purposively selected, recruited interviewed. In phase one ten who expecting first baby 2013 order explore they understood prior event light Birth revealed many ‘voices’ offering ‘advice’ about birth. talked classes attended, books read, websites online forums accessed, television programmes films watched. The conversations cohort led further questions whether information gleaned virtual mediums creates meaningful knowledge women. second evolved thinking. interviews an older (who pregnant 1970s –1980s) undertaken determine era more able translate meaning. was based on belief that, generation women, mediated contact not though technologies previous Phenomenological took place iterative circle reading, writing ‘being-in-the-world’ way communicating within that world. From Heideggerian perspective, constructed through ‘idle talk’ (the taken granted assumptions things are come being language) across variety accessed face conversations. Five central interrelated interpretive findings emerged. Firstly engaged with, significant role play understanding expectations ‘norm’ portrayed circulating 2013, instance, perpetuated what participant described ‘drama birth’. Secondly, modern ‘landscape’ (populated representations) created fear childbirth shared lacking detail lives, did necessarily help them become ‘knowers’ gain wisdom birthing. Thirdly, birthing present day overloaded amassed attempt manage anxieties fit informed patient, demonstrate competency mothers. Fourthly cultural spiritual either generation. Finally, some felt secure ‘system’ constructed, sustained widely circulated. data lifeworld (for both generations) product process, concentrating stages progression labour healthy only outcome. Taken whole fact create these is unique no published has explicitly identified premise story’ or notion relation childbirth. Further types whilst pregnant. reveals may influence consequent