Psychological aspects of caesarean section

This chapter gives an overview of research relating to psychological aspects of caesarean section. It focuses on four main questions: •What are the psychological effects of caesarean section on the mother, her partner and her relationship with her infant? •What factors (obstetric, psychological, attitudinal, and health care-related) make women more vulnerable to adverse psychological outcomes after a caesarean section? •What are women distressed about when they have had a caesarean section? •How can post-caesarean psychological distress be prevented or managed? A methodological critique of existing studies on psychological aspects of caesarean section is also given. In conclusion, recommendations for practice and for future research are made.