Table 3 Themes, sub themes and women’s statements
Theme | Sub theme | Example |
|---|---|---|
Social expectation | Birthing process | “That’s what happens after a baby… I thought it didn’t matter” “It gets worse in your next pregnancy” |
Keeping it hidden | “Health professionals don’t ask and I feel horrible that I pass gas all the time” “I would tell if someone asked me” “ask me in words I understand” | |
Trusted space | Finding a voice | “use words that don’t make me feel any more disgusted in myself than I already do” “I need to feel safe to tell…” “How can I tell you I poo myself when I don’t know what the word stool is?” |
Confusion | Understanding | “Telling a woman is easier… she’s been there and birthed” “Health professionals need to be sensitive when asking….I feel dirty and disgusted in myself already” “I don’t understand incontinence or urge…. What do they mean?” …what’s a plug?” “I don’t get symptoms all the time” “If you ask ….I would tell to get help” |