Exploring women's experiences with cultural practices during pregnancy and birth in Keiyo, Kenya: A phenomenological study

Childbearing is associated with memories from experiences encountered during the childbearing journey. Besides the physiological and biological nature of pregnancy and birth, culture influences experiences and the meanings of surroundings. Care providers should be prepared to provide culturally safe care for a positive childbearing experience. Therefore, this study aimed to explore women's experiences with cultural practices during pregnancy and birth for insights to advise responsive healthcare to optimise positive childbearing outcomes. Methods A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021. A semi-structured interview guide was piloted with two women (one during pregnancy and the other postpartum). Individual interviews and data analysis were conducted inductively and iteratively. Saturation of themes was achieved after interviewing sixteen participants. Two additional interviews did not elicit any new information. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using ATLAS. ti Software version 8.4.4 (1135), following Van Manen's five steps of thematic analysis. Findings Three themes emerged: Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) encounters, exposure to Cultural Practice during birth, and what women want during pregnancy and childbirth. Conclusion Women's voices echoed diverse cultural encounters and exposures that modified their experiences during pregnancy and birth. The study offered a safe platform for the women to provide their narratives while expressing their cultural needs and the care providers' expectations. There is a need to design or reinforce strategies that foster collaborative care and synergy between the triad stakeholders' (skilled birth attendant-woman-traditional birth attendant) care partnership.