Women's satisfaction with the childbirth experience: a descriptive research.

Abstract

A woman's satisfaction with her childbirth experience is important for the well-being of her infant, family and society. Objectives To identify significant differences between women's childbirth satisfaction and factors related to self, baby, husband or partner, midwife, physician and demographic characteristics. Design A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data collection took place in one state general hospital in Malta. A convenience sample of 300 mothers who had a normal vaginal delivery was . recruited to participate during the first 24-48 hours postpartum, with a response rate of 86%. Johansson, Oleni, Fridlund (2002) theory, based on Henderson's nursing care model provided an overarching theoretical framework. Results showed an overall women's satisfaction with care during labour and birth. Kruskal Wallis H test identified significant differences in overall labour experience (H(2)=12.505, p=0.002) and overall delivery experience (H(2)=11.723, p=0.003) and subgroups of women by level of education. Results also identified significant differences between the age subgroups of women and their participation in decision making during delivery (H(4)=12.298, p= 0.015). Single mothers reported high satisfaction with their participation in decision making (U=3963, p=0.005) during their labour experience. There was a significant difference (U=4212, p=0.027) in the participation in decision making during delivery between single and married women. The midwife was identified as an important factor in giving full support to women during labour and birth. One main limitation of the study is timing. Women's birth experience has been measured too soon after the birth, and the responses may have been influenced by the happiness of having given birth safely to a healthy baby. Recommendations addressed the empowerment to women in labour and giving birth. Women's childbirth experiences should be further explored by a qualitative approach which is well accepted in midwifery, health and social research. Keywords: Women's satisfaction, childbirth experience, patient satisfaction.