Abstract
Caesarean section (CS) is an obstetric intervention for preventing maternal and neonatal complications. Despite its benefits,
CS in Nigeria is influenced by cultural beliefs, stigma, and emotional responses, with limited research exploring how these
factors affect women’s experiences and mental well-being after surgery. This study examined the lived experiences of
postpartum women who delivered by CS in selected Nigerian health facilities, focusing on emotional well-being and support
systems.
Methods:
A qualitative phenomenological design was employed in four Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State. Data were
collected through 11 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions involving 24 women aged 22–49 years who had
undergone CS within the previous five years. Purposive sampling was used to ensure variation in age, education, and
residence. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically with ATLAS.
Results:
Of the 24 participants, thirteen resided in urban areas while eleven resided in rural areas. Five major themes emerged: (1)
Pathways to caesarean delivery, highlighting that decisions were largely driven by medical necessity and often involved joint
decision-making with spouses; (2) Emotional responses and mental adjustment, ranging from fear and anxiety to calm
acceptance influenced by clinical communication and faith; (3) Sociocultural interpretations and stigma, including narratives
that associate CS with weakness or spiritual failure; (4) Support systems and recovery experiences, with strong spousal,
family, and respectful healthcare support reported as central to recovery; and (5) Future preferences and advice to others,
where many participants expressed willingness to undergo CS again, emphasizing the primacy of maternal and child safety.
Conclusions:
Caesarean birth is more than a clinical procedure; it is a deeply social and emotional experience.
Recommendation:
Supportive communication from healthcare professionals, family involvement, mental health and counselling, and efforts to
dispel negative cultural myths around CS are essential to improving women’s psychosocial outcomes.