What factors contribute to childbirth experiences?

Question 1

Simkin, (1990)

Answer 1

Since women’s satisfaction with childbirth experience can affect their long-term mental health, self-confidence and self-esteem, it is an important qualitative outcome

Question 2

Elmir et al., (2010)

Answer 2

Conducted a meta-ethnography of 10 qualitative studies and found important themes concerning communication, being seen as a person and taken seriously and emotional support during labour were found to be the causes of women’s traumatic births

Question 3

Hollander et al., (2017)

Answer 3

Computed a questionnaire to identify important themes in bad childbirth experiences. Found that women attribute cause primarily to lack and loss of control and issues of communication and practical/emotional support

Question 4

Hodnett et al., (2013)

Answer 4

Continuous support during labour decreases the risk of receiving analgesia and it associated with fewer negative birth experiences

Question 5

Biomedical Model of Childbirth

Answer 5

Very medicalised procedures, treats mother as a patient with little control

Question 6

Humanised Model of Childbirth

Answer 6

Gives mother autonomy and control but encouraging active participation in birth and decisions about the birth, respects wishes and feelings

Question 7

Ferrer et al., (2016)

Answer 7

Compared birth satisfaction in two state-run hospitals. Found women in humanised model hospital were more satisfied with their birth experiences and had better physical outcomes

Question 8

Hodnett (2002)

Answer 8

Meta-analysis to confirm the relationship between expectations and childbirth satisfaction

Question 9

Van Bussell et al., (2010)

Answer 9

Prenatal expectations independently matched postnatal scores on 3 components; fulfilment, distress and difficulty

Question 10

Berentson-Shaw, Scott & Jose (2009)

Answer 10

Stronger birth SE beliefs precited increased birth satisfaction, decreased pain and distress in labour, but not pain tolerance or obstetric events - supporting and developing SE will impact on pain and feelings of satisfaction