A content analysis of women's experiences of debriefing following childbirth: The birth experience study (BESt)

Background: The early postpartum period is highly vulnerable, with the World Health Organization estimating that 13 % of women globally experience postnatal mental health disorders. Postnatal care often lacks the resources allocated to antenatal and intrapartum care, leading to maternal psychological needs being overlooked. Understanding women's lived experiences of debriefing is crucial as it provides insights into the practical and emotional aspects of debriefing that effectiveness studies alone cannot capture. Debriefing, a psychological intervention, can help prevent postnatal mental health issues, though the most effective approaches are still debated. Aim: To explore Australian women's views on the role of debriefing in postnatal care, including its benefits and suggestions for implementation. Methods: The Birth Experience Study (BESt) was a national online survey conducted in 2021 which focused on the experiences of Australian women who had given birth at any time in the preceding five years. The survey included questions about their debriefing experiences, who they debriefed with, and their suggestions for optimal timing of debriefing. Qualitative content analysis was applied to 2154 open-ended responses discussing postnatal debriefing experiences. Findings: Of 2514 responses, two main categories were found that focused on the debriefing experience and suggestions for optimal timing for debriefing following birth. Women highlighted the importance of being heard compared to being dismissed and not being able to validate their feelings. Conclusion: Women value debriefing, and its effective implementation depends on individual experiences and needs. The findings suggest that debriefing should become standard practice, with maternity clinicians trained to provide this crucial aspect of postnatal care.