Caring for My Family Integrity: Fertile Couples' First Childbearing Experience in the Urban Society of Mashhad, Iran Publisher Pubmed



Khadivzadeh T^{1, 2} ; Latifnejad Roudsari R³ ; Bahrami M⁴ ; Taghipour A⁵ ; Abbasi Shavazi J⁶
Source: Human Fertility Published:2015

Abstract

Background: This qualitative study was conducted to discover fertile couples' experiences of having their first child in the urban society of Mashhad, Iran. Methods: In this grounded theory study, 45 participants were selected. In-depth interviews were conducted at health centres, homes and workplaces. Data analyses were carried out adopting Strauss and Corbin's mode of analysis through a constant comparative method applying open, axial and selective coding using MAXqda software. Study rigour was verified via prolonged engagement with participants, member check and debriefing with peers. Results: The core category that describes couples' experience of having their first child was 'caring for my family integrity'. The process of first-time childbearing included four interrelated stages: (1) gaining confidence about the spouse's capability for being a parent, (2) evaluating situational conditions to make a decision whether to try to become pregnant, (3) managing childbearing across the life course and (4) parental role attainment. Conclusion: Couples' decisions about having their first child are influenced by their mutual relationship and the results of their evaluation of a variety of circumstantial, economic, child-training abilities and health-related conditions. Both planned and unplanned events influence childbearing experiences. It is important to comprehend the four-stage process and apply it in reproductive health care especially in the delivery of family planning services. © 2014 The British Fertility Society.