AUTHOR=Moridi Azam , Abedi Parvin , Iravani Mina , Khosravi Shahla , Alianmoghaddam Narges , Maraghi Elham , Saadati Najmieh 

TITLE=Women's experiences with implementation of the physiologic birth program in Iran: a qualitative content analysis study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Global Women's Health

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/global-womens-health/articles/10.3389/fgwh.2023.1115365

DOI=10.3389/fgwh.2023.1115365

ISSN=2673-5059

ABSTRACT=Abstract
Introduction
Increased rate of caesarean section (CS) without medical indication is a global concern. According to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, the physiologic birth program is one of the strategies for reducing the rate of unnecessary caesarean sections. The aim of this study was to explain women's experiences with the implementation of the physiologic birth program in Iran.
Methods
This study is a part of a mixed methods study involving 15 targeted semi-structured interviews conducted individually with women attending physiologic birth classes from January 2022 to June 2022. Interviews continued until data saturation. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis approach based on the criteria proposed by Graneheim and Lundman, using MAXQDA10 software. 
Results
Analysis of the findings of the study led to the emergence of 2 themes, 4 categories, and 11 subcategories. The first theme was women's positive experiences (“satisfaction with pregnancy” and “making the childbirth process pleasant”), the second theme was women's negative experiences with physiologic birth (“challenges and limitation of physiologic birth program” and “lack of high-quality obstetric services in the public health system”).
Conclusions 
The results of this study showed that childbirth preparation classes reduced women's fear and stress and enhanced their positive attitude towards vaginal delivery by preparing them for childbirth. Also, effective communication with midwives and their support along with efficient implementation of physiologic birth techniques led to successful pain management and satisfaction with the birth process. Policymakers should implement strategies to remove limitations and make this program accessible to all women.