Respectful maternity care during labour : women’s lived experiences

Abstract

Purpose: Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is an approach that emphasizes dignity, compassion, and personalized support for women during childbirth, recognizing these as essential to positive birthing experiences. Prioritizing RMC can enhance maternal well-being, satisfaction, and trust in healthcare systems, yet challenges remain in fully implementing these principles in clinical settings. Aim and Objectives: To elicit and understand the meaning of the lived experiences of Maltese women receiving respectful maternity care during labour. The objectives included: capturing women’s lived experiences of receiving respectful maternity care during labour; to understand the meanings women place on receiving respectful maternity care during labour; and to bring to light any recommendations women identify as helpful in facilitating the delivery of respectful maternity care during labour. Methodology: This study utilised a qualitative approach, employing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Eight participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and each took part in a one-time, face-to-face, audio-recorded interview using a self-designed, semi-structured interview schedule. The data was transcribed word-for-word and analysed following the seven-step IPA process outlined by Smith, Flowers, and Larkin (2022). The Quality Maternal and Newborn Care (QMNC) Framework by Renfrew et al. (2014) served as the theoretical framework guiding the study. Ethical considerations were respected. Results: The study’s findings were presented into five group experiential themes. Held by Words, Grounded by Touch captured the importance of compassionate, clear communication and physical presence from caregivers during labour, while in Surrendering to the Professionals, mothers reflected on their trust in the expertise and authority of midwives and medical staff, which often led them to take a passive role, surrendering to the staff’s guidance and decisions without question, particularly during the intense moments of labour. The Power of Familiar Faces emphasised the role of emotional support from loved ones and the value of familiar caregivers during labour. This helped women feel emotionally secure, reduced feelings of isolation and enhanced the sense of teamwork and shared experience throughout labour. Blending Care with Compassion described the need for a balance between medical efficiency and compassionate, individualised care. Lastly, A Care Environment Rooted in Respect highlighted the broader environment of respect, privacy and dignity provided by the entire care team, including non-medical staff. Together, these group experiential themes offered holistic insights into respectful maternity care. Conclusion: This study’s findings align with international literature, revealing common experiences shared by women globally while also uncovering unique insights specific to the local context. Findings highlighted how labouring women highly value compassion, effective communication, privacy, and emotional support from healthcare providers, which collectively foster a positive and respectful birthing environment. Based on these findings, recommendations have been outlined for clinical practice, policy, education, and future research. These recommendations aim to strengthen RMC principles within local clinical practice, enhance empathy-driven education for healthcare providers, and encourage further research in this area. By implementing these insights, maternity care settings can foster a more holistic, empowering environment for all women.