Women's satisfaction with childbirth and postpartum care and associated variables

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2021 Jun 9:55:e03720. doi: 10.1590/S1980-220X2020006603720. eCollection 2021.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of satisfaction with childbirth and the postpartum period.

Method: This is a longitudinal, observational study. Clinical variables of the patients and delivery were collected, and a descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. The validated state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and the satisfaction survey Care in Obstetrics Measure For Testing Satisfaction Scale (COMFORTS) in Spanish were used.

Results: A total of 381 women was included in the study and grouped into satisfied vs. dissatisfied (94.54% vs. 5.46%). Women having given birth by eutocic delivery (p = 0.005), as well as those who had skin-to-skin time with their newborn (p = 0.012) after delivery, report more satisfaction. Mothers who were separated from their babies reported being less satisfied (p = 0.004), as did those who did not meet the expectations raised in the birth plan (p = 0.013). All the women with minimal anxiety are satisfied (p = 0.004), the same happening for those showing postpartum anxiety (p <0.001).

Conclusion: The percentage of satisfied women is high; it is necessary to monitor childbirth and postpartum care, promoting good practices in childbirth care, as well as in women's emotional well-being.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Parturition
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Postnatal Care*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires