What is the level of satisfaction with maternity care in Poland? A cross-sectional study

Background: A positive experience of childbirth, as outlined by the WHO, consists of giving birth to a healthy child, and meeting the expectations of the woman based on her beliefs, previous experiences, and cultural conditions. Aim of the study: To evaluate the mother’s satisfaction with childbirth, satisfaction with the expectations of giving birth, and the care received during and after birth. Material and methods: This study used a questionnaire for data collection that was validated by a panel of experts using the Delphi method. The Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis rank tests with post-hoc comparisons were used for the analysis. Correlations were examined using the Spearman’s R test. Results: For the whole study group (n = 444), the mean score for satisfaction with childbirth was 3.83 (± 1.25), and the assessment of care during childbirth (n = 444) and care in the maternity unit (n = 427) were 4.11 (± 1.12) and 3.60 (± 1.22), respectively. Satisfaction with childbirth in the whole study group was significantly correlated with emotional support (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) and communication with staff (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) during delivery, provision of intimacy (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), pain relief (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), contact with the newborn after birth (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), support for breastfeeding (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), and accommodation and sanitary conditions during delivery (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). The largest statistically significant differences regarding fulfillment of the women’s expectations were observed between groups describing their childbirth as frightening and painful, and groups describing their childbirth as expected, positive and pleasant. Conclusions: Women had a worse opinion of care after childbirth compared to care during childbirth, which may be due to the lack of expectations concerning emotional support and assistance in breastfeeding that were reported by the respondents.

Postpartum Depression and Birth Experience in Russia

Background. In European countries, postpartum depression (PPD) occurs in 13–19% of women. The statistics indicate that postpartum depressive disorders affect up to 300,000 women in Russia annually. There is still an extremely acute lack of psychological comfort provided to women during labor in Russia. Objective. To our knowledge, ours is the first study that examines the association between childbirth experience and the risk of PPD in Russia. Design. We collected data from 190 Russian-speaking mothers, ages 19 to 46, (M = 32 +4.3) two months after their delivery. Results. Birth satisfaction and physical well-being two months after delivery were significantly inversely associated with PPD. Birth satisfaction negatively correlated with the perceived severity and unpredictability of labor, and positively correlated with physical well-being two months after delivery. The presence of a partner and a personal midwife or doula at birth was associated with higher birth satisfaction. Conclusion. Our results emphasize the significance of childbirth satisfaction in the context of PPD and suggest the importance of individual professional support during labor.

Childbirth satisfaction and perceptions of control: postnatal psychological implications

Background Satisfaction with childbirth is associated with a number of factors prior to and during birth, including perceived control during labour, and has implications for postnatal psychological health. Methods A total of 38 pregnant women recruited prior to 20-weeks gestation completed questionnaires regarding perceptions of control during, and satisfaction with, childbirth, mental health and maternal attachment at two-months postpartum. Birth details and breastfeeding difficulties were obtained from hospital records. Results Satisfaction with childbirth was associated with perceived control and a physiological birth, and perceived control was associated with a physiological birth and midwife-led continuity of care. At two-months postpartum, satisfaction with childbirth was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, while perceived control was associated with fewer anxiety symptoms. Discussion It is important for healthcare providers to implement practices that support birthing satisfaction, such as provision of midwife-led continuity of care. Healthcare provision should also provide psychological support to mothers whose birthing experience was unsatisfactory and tailor additional support during early breastfeeding for these women.

Expressions of Spirituality and States of Consciousness in Brazilian Postpartum Mothers: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to examine the how different aspects of the birthing environment were associated with a parturient's states of consciousness, spirituality, and satisfaction with the childbirth experience.DESIGNThe study utilized a convergent mixed methods research design involving both quantitative and qualitative components with convenience sampling. In total, 276 Brazilian postpartum women completed a states of consciousness mini-test and the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory—Revised. A small subsample of women who gave birth in different settings were also interviewed. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and analysis of variance and covariance. Qualitative interview data were thematically analyzed.MAJOR FINDINGSHome birth and the absence of a physician were associated with a higher occurrence of favorable non-ordinary states and satisfaction with childbirth. Spiritually-inclusive birth preparation was found to be associated with most spirituality and states of consciousness variables and more than childbirth satisfaction.MAIN CONCLUSIONNon-ordinary states emerged from a parturient's sense of security with their surroundings and from preparation for childbirth. Spiritual experiences were related to pre-existing spiritual beliefs and practices.