Mother’s Experiences and Perceptions of a Continuous Caring Model with Fathers after Caesarean Section: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

 Background: In Chile, mothers and newborns are separated after caesarean sections. The cae
sarean section rate in Chile is approximately 40%. Once separated, newborns will miss out on 
the benefits of early contact unless a suitable model of early newborn contact after caesarean 
section is initiated. 
Aim: To describe mothers experiences and perceptions of a continuous parental model of new
born care after caesarean section during mother-infant separation.
 Methods: A questionnaire with 4 open ended questions to gather data on the experiences and 
perceptions of 95 mothers in the obstetric service of Sótero Del Rio Hospital in Chile between 
2009 and 2012. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
 Results: One theme family friendly practice after caesarean section and four categories. Moth
ers described the benefits of this model of caring. The fathers presence was important to mother 
and baby. Mothers were reassured that the baby was not left alone with staff. It was important 
for the mothers to see that the father could love the baby as much as the mother. This model 
of care helped create ties between the father and newborn during the period of mother-infant 
separation and later with the mother. 
Conclusions: Family friendly practice after caesarean section was an important health care 
intervention for the whole family. This model could be stratified in the Chilean context in the 
case of complicated births and all caesarean sections. 
Clinical Implications: In the Chilean context, there is the potential to increase the number of 
parents who get to hold their baby immediately after birth and for as long as they like. When 
the mother and infant are separated after birth, parents can be informed about the benefits of 
this caring model. Further research using randomized control trials may support biological 
advantages.