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. 2021 Mar;34(2):154-161.
doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.01.012. Epub 2020 Feb 25.

Variables related to maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care in Northern Italy

Simona Fumagalli  1 , Elisabetta Colciago  2 , Laura Antolini  2 , Alice Riva  3 , Antonella Nespoli  4 , Anna Locatelli  5
Affiliations

Variables related to maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care in Northern Italy

Simona Fumagalli et al. Women Birth. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Background: The experience of labour and birth is complex, multidimensional and subjective and has the potential to affect the women and their families physically and emotionally. However, there is a lack of research around maternal satisfaction in Italy.

Aim: To evaluate mothers' satisfaction with their childbirth experience in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and intrapartum care variables.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 277 women who had given birth in a low risk maternity unit in Northern Italy was undertaken. Satisfaction with birth was measured using the Italian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (I-BSS-R). The scale comprises three Sub-Scales: quality of care provided, personal attributes of women and stress experienced during childbirth.

Findings: No socio-demographic variables were related to maternal satisfaction. Multiparous women had a higher satisfaction score (p=0.020; CI:0.23;2.75). Antenatal class attendance was negatively associated with maternal satisfaction (p=0.038; CI:-2.58; -0.07). Intrapartum variables that significantly reduced maternal satisfaction were: epidural usage (p=0.000; CI:-4.66; -2.07), active phase >12h (p=0.000; CI:-6.01; -2.63), oxytocin administration (p=0.000; CI:-5.08; -2.29) and vacuum assisted birth (p=0.001; CI:-6.50; -1.58). Women with an intact perineum were more likely to be satisfied (p=0.008; CI:-4.60; -0.69).

Discussion: In accordance with other research, we showed that intrapartum interventions are negatively associated with maternal outcomes and therefore also with maternal satisfaction with birth. The sub-scale that measured Quality of Care provided scored higher than the other two Sub-Scales.

Conclusion: Further studies on maternal satisfaction in Italy should be conducted, using the I-BSS-R with the aim to compare outcomes and understand what matters to women during childbirth.

Keywords: BSS-R; Birth experience; Italy; Maternal satisfaction; Midwifery care.

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