A Comparative Study Analyzing Differences in Factors Related To Childbirth Satisfaction between Primiparous and Multiparous Mothers

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the differences in factors related to childbirth satisfaction between primiparous mothers and multiparous mothers at a highly specialized university hospital. Methods: A correlational descriptive study was carried out at a highly specialized university hospital in south-east Spain. A total of 204 mothers, 110 primiparous mothers and 94 multiparous mothers, aged 16-43 years participated in the study. A modified version of The Women´s Views of Birth Labour Satisfaction Questionnaire (WOMBLSQ) was used. Women completed questionnaires during their hospital stays. Labour and birth data were collected from the medical records. Results: Factor analysis of the 27 item questionnaire yield seven factors accounting for a 64.8% and a 70.22 % of the variance respectively in primiparous and multiparous mothers. The seven domains obtained from major to minor importance in primiparous mothers were: professional support and general satisfaction, women´s expectations, pain in labour, being in control, holding baby was delayed and an impersonal and clinic environment, support from husband/partner and holding baby, pain after delivery. These factors accounted for 25.45, 9.93, 7.83, 6.55, 5.64, 4.95, 4.43% of the variance explained, respectively. In multiparous mothers, seven domains were obtained: women´s expectations and general satisfaction, professional support and being in control, pain in labour, holding baby, support from husband/partner, and pain after delivery and environment. These factors accounted for 29.71, 10.99, 7.87, 6.22, 5.98, 4.96, 4.50% of the variance explained, respectively. Conclusion: There were significant differences between primiparous and multiparous mothers in factors related to childbirth satisfaction. The most important factor in primiparous mothers was professional support, while, in multiparous mothers, it was women's expectations. Knowing the important differences in factors related to childbirth satisfaction between primiparous and multiparous mothers enables us to improve quality of service rendered and provide a better childbirth experience.