Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of the women toward mode of delivery during postpartum period. The descriptive study was conducted in 600 puerpera women at a private hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. We collected data with “attitudes toward mode of delivery” (ATMOD) form during face to face interview. The researchers prepared the ATMOD form according to the literature.  The ATMOD was14 attitude statements. Participants answered statements as agree (1), or disagree (2). We evaluated data using the SPSS program. Average age was higher in cesarean deliveries (CD) than vaginal deliveries (VD). 28.1% of women had an elective CD; 71.8% stated that they would advise other potential mothers to opt for a CD; and 82.3% would choose CD in case of another delivery. In the study, women’s overwhelmingly favored VD and regarded CD as an appropriate procedure for abnormal pregnancies. Nevertheless, it was found that participants opted for CD as they think it is easier and less painful. The prenatal training programs aim at assisting couples in choosing VD by attracting their attention on delivery and correct breathing and relaxation techniques and by helping them in feeling less pain.

Key words: Attitudes, childbirth methods, cesarean delivery, prenatal training program, postpartum vaginal delivery, women