Understanding the postpartum cesarean pain experience in publicly insured individuals

Although recent work has focused on interventions to decrease opioid use in the postpartum period, few reports have explored birthing individuals’ perspectives pain experience. Our objective was qualitatively assess patient experiences related management. This is a prospective qualitative study of patients’ with management after cesarean delivery at single large tertiary care center (12/2020-7/2021). Individuals were eligible if they had publicly funded prenatal care, English- or Spanish-speaking, and underwent birth. Purposive sampling used ensure racially/ethnically diverse cohort. Participants in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guide two time points: day 2-3 2-4 weeks hospital discharge. Interviews addressed perceptions recovery. Data analyzed constant comparative method. Of 41 participants, 56.1% identified as non-Hispanic Black 36.6% Hispanic. The majority (58.9%) experienced prior birth (Table 1). Thematic analysis yielded four overarching domains subthemes. First, participants consistently reported themes hesitancy perceived judgement regarding use. In theme desire for non-pharmacologic management, subthemes included multimodal importance mobility, neonate motivator Finally, we frustrations about limitations daily life caused by experience pain, which activities living, caring family neonate, impact mood 2). Understanding recovery essential improving patient-centered care. highlights need improve counseling provisions use, increase methods control, focus strategies enhance preparedness post-cesarean recovery.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)