Factors influencing satisfaction with birth

Abstract

Couples plan their birth and empower themselves during pregnancy, mostly by searching information with midwifes. With the covid19 pandemic, it was necessary to think of different strategies to maintain this support, particularly in what antenatal classes are concerned. Thus, midwifes had to think “outside the box” and find different ways to hold antenatal classes: livestreaming was possible but, considering couples availability, online (recorded classes) was also an option. After some months, as pandemic began to rise, the “in person” option started to be held. The aim of this study is to identify which factors may influence satisfaction with the birth experience, namely the type of pre-birth program. A questionnaire was applied consisting of several socio-demographic variables, perception felt regarding the birth experience and variables recognized as having a strong influence on satisfaction with childbirth, with the woman being asked to provide her position/opinion. We concluded that the type of antenatal classes undertaken has no influence on satisfaction with the moment of birth, which is mostly related to factors such as the place where the birth took place (private hospital) and who performed it (midwife). Although the moment of birth is a multi-factorial moment, there are, in this sample, factors that are more important in influencing the experience than the information held on antenatal classes. However, the various factors already known must continue to be taken into account, thus allowing couples to live in the moment in an informed and empowered way.