“There Was no Break”: A Qualitative Analysis of Mothers' Experiences With Labor Induction

BACKGROUND: Labor induction, the artificial start of labor using pharmacological or mechanical methods, has been associated with more negative birth experiences, including higher rates of poor maternal mental health, lower rates of breastfeeding self-efficacy, and shorter breastfeeding duration. However, few studies have used qualitative interviews to examine women's experiences with labor induction and why this intervention may lead to more negative birth experiences. METHODS: This study used a descriptive phenomenological approach. We analyzed 15 semi-structured interviews using coding and matrix analysis. Interview questions centered around mothers' birth experiences, the feeling of contractions, and differences between multiple birth experiences when applicable. RESULTS: Mothers with a labor induction stated their contractions were more intense, closer together, or had no break compared to their non-induced births or the coaching they received prenatally from doulas or childbirth educators. A desire for induction and levels of provider support also contributed to mothers' experiences with labor induction. Mothers expressed that this altered contraction patterning increased anxiety and motivated their use of pain medication. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that induced labor may lead to more negative birth experiences through altered contraction patterns, not wanting the induction, and lacking trust and support from care providers. Hospital policies should ensure that healthcare providers and clinicians have time to understand mothers' desires for induction and other medical interventions and should provide extra support for mothers who need this intervention. Further research is needed on the possible physiologic effects this altered contraction patterning has on mothers and infants.