Women's experience of unexpected caesarean section birth in Kitui County, Kenya

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, 72% of all Caesarean section (CS) births are unplanned compared to 27% of unplanned CS births done in developed countries. Various researches have been conducted on lived experiences following unexpected CS birth but none in Kitui County, Kenya. Objective: This study described the lived experience of undergoing an unexpected CS and the role of cultural beliefs on child-birth among Kitui/Kamba women in Kenya. Methods: A descriptive phenomenology design was used in this study. In-depth interviews of women who experienced un-planned Caesarean birth in Kitui County, Kenya, were conducted. Colaizzi's method guided the analysis. Interviews were approx-imately 30 minutes long and audiotaped. Results: A total of 12 mothers participated in the study. Fives themes and 11 sub-themes emerged from this study: fear (fear of disability and surgical complications), pain (physical and psychological pain), less of a woman (lowered self-esteem, powerless and worry), sullied (dispirited and will loss), and fallacy (misconception and effects of fallacy). Conclusion: Disruption, dissatisfaction with the birth process, and unmet expectations were negative experiences. Healthcare workers should be sensitive when informing mothers of unplanned CS. More research to look for coping strategies to reduce negative birthing experiences.