Experiences and perceptions of maternal autonomy and racism among BIPOC veterans receiving cesarean sections
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Mattocks, K., Marteeny, V., Walker, L., Wallace, K., Goldstein, K. M., Deans, E., Brewer, E., Bean-Mayberry, B., & Kroll-Desrosiers, A. (2024). Experiences and perceptions of maternal autonomy and racism among BIPOC veterans receiving cesarean sections. Women's Health Issues. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2024.04.001
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study used semistructured interviews to explore the labor and birth experiences of 27 Veteran women who identified as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) and whose first birth was via cesarean section (c-section). Participants were asked about their sense of autonomy regarding their desire to have a vaginal birth or c-section, their perception of doula care, and challenges they experienced related to social determinants of health (e.g., employment, accessibility and affordability of childcare). Overall, these BIPOC women Veterans felt they had limited autonomy regarding their labor and birth preferences, in some cases attributing this to racial bias. Many felt that doula care could have improved their birth experience.
Focus:
Veterans
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Mattocks, Kristin, Marteeny, Valerie, Walker, Lorrie, Wallace, Kate, Goldstein, Karen M., Deans, Elizabeth, Brewer, Erin, Bean-Mayberry, Bevanne, Kroll-Desrosiers, Aimee
Abstract:
Background Previous studies of pregnant veterans enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care reveal high rates of cesarean sections among racial/ethnic minoritized groups, particularly in southern states. The purpose of this study was to better understand contributors to and veteran perceptions of maternal autonomy and racism among veterans receiving cesarean sections. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews to understand perceptions of maternal autonomy and racism among 27 Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) veterans who gave birth via cesarean section using VA maternity care benefits. Results Our study found that a substantial proportion (67%) of veterans had previous cesarean sections, ultimately placing them at risk for subsequent cesarean sections. More than 60% of veterans with a previous cesarean section requested a labor after cesarean (LAC) but were either refused by their provider or experienced complications that led to another cesarean section. Qualitative findings revealed the following: (1) differences in treatment by veterans’ race/ethnicity may reduce maternal agency, (2) many veterans felt unheard and uninformed regarding birthing decisions, (3) access to VA-paid doula care may improve maternal agency for BIPOC veterans during labor and birth, and (4) BIPOC veterans face substantial challenges related to social determinants of health. Conclusion Further research should examine veterans’ perceptions of racism in obstetrical care, and the possibility of VA-financed doula care to provide additional labor support to BIPOC veterans.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
BIPOC, maternal anatomy, racism, cesarean section
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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