김부연 · 강숙정

경산부의 제왕절개 후 질식분만 결정 경험: 현상학적 연구

Multiparous Women’s Decision Making Experience on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: A Phenomenological Study

제왕절개 후 질식분만, 의사결정, 출산 경험, 현상학

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC); Decision-making; Childbirth experience; Phenomenology

질적연구 26권 2호

2025년 11월

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the decision-making experiences of multiparous women regarding vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in Korea. Methods: For this phenomenologic study data were collected from December 2020 to February 2021 through non-face-to-face interviews via video conferencing. Seven women with prior VBAC experience were recruited through snowball sampling. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method and categorized with NVivo software to identify recurring themes. Results: Five key themes in women's decision-making experiences about VBAC were revealed: desire for natural childbirth, practical constraints in birth choices, self-determination as the subject of childbirth, psychological security through support systems, and psychological recovery after a challenging VBAC. Conclusion: The findings suggest that healthcare providers should offer balanced information and supportive counseling on delivery options to women with prior cesarean sections. Additionally, healthcare systems should develop policies and clinical guidelines to ensure women's autonomy and access to diverse birthing environments.