What is the level of satisfaction with maternity care in Poland? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: A positive experience of childbirth, as outlined by the WHO, consists of giving birth to a healthy child, and meeting the expectations of the woman based on her beliefs, previous experiences, and cultural conditions. Aim of the study: To evaluate the mother’s satisfaction with childbirth, satisfaction with the expectations of giving birth, and the care received during and after birth. Material and methods: This study used a questionnaire for data collection that was validated by a panel of experts using the Delphi method. The Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis rank tests with post-hoc comparisons were used for the analysis. Correlations were examined using the Spearman’s R test. Results: For the whole study group (n = 444), the mean score for satisfaction with childbirth was 3.83 (± 1.25), and the assessment of care during childbirth (n = 444) and care in the maternity unit (n = 427) were 4.11 (± 1.12) and 3.60 (± 1.22), respectively. Satisfaction with childbirth in the whole study group was significantly correlated with emotional support (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) and communication with staff (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) during delivery, provision of intimacy (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), pain relief (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), contact with the newborn after birth (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), support for breastfeeding (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), and accommodation and sanitary conditions during delivery (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). The largest statistically significant differences regarding fulfillment of the women’s expectations were observed between groups describing their childbirth as frightening and painful, and groups describing their childbirth as expected, positive and pleasant. Conclusions: Women had a worse opinion of care after childbirth compared to care during childbirth, which may be due to the lack of expectations concerning emotional support and assistance in breastfeeding that were reported by the respondents.