Year of Graduation
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Major
Psychology
Directing Professor
Dr. Ashleigh Breske
Abstract
Traumatic birth experiences can disrupt mental health and maternal bonding between mother and infant. While clinical outcomes often prioritize infant health, less attention has been given to how birth experiences shape maternal confidence and feelings of confidence and adequacy as a new parent. This study examines what factors within birth experiences influence maternal self-perception and confidence during the postpartum period. Drawing on Maternal Role Attainment Theory and self-efficacy theory, this research explores how perceived loss of control, medicalization, provider interactions, and emotional support affect maternal identity formation. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes publicly available birth stories shared on Reddit. Narratives were selected based on whether they were labeled self-described difficult or traumatic birth experiences or whether they were clearly labeled positive and were coded according to circumstances identified in previous research as influencing the overall perception of the birthing experience. Attention was given to themes of autonomy, provider interactions, emotional support, and perceived loss of control. Findings in the past indicate that dismissive provider behavior, absence of clear communication during, previous, and after birth, unanticipated medical procedures, and insufficient emotional support are often accompanied by a sense of diminished maternal confidence and inadequacy. When birthing persons are made to feel validated, respected, and supported by providers of care, even when births are medically complex, the same tendency is more often correlated with greater feelings of postpartum self-efficacy. These results indicate the significance of trauma-informed and mother-centered maternity care and imply that care provision method might be as impactful as the clinical outcome in the formation of maternal identity and perceptions of the birth experience.
Recommended Citation
Sesker, Ryan O., "Reclaiming Connection: Narrative Differences Between Traumatic and Positive Birth Experiences" (2026). Undergraduate Honors Theses, Hollins University. 84.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/ughonors/84