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. 2022 May;35(3):289-297.
doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.07.006. Epub 2021 Aug 2.

Lived experiences of the partners of COVID-19 positive childbearing women: A qualitative study

Antonella Nespoli  1 , Sara Ornaghi  2 , Sara Borrelli  3 , Patrizia Vergani  2 , Simona Fumagalli  4
Affiliations

Lived experiences of the partners of COVID-19 positive childbearing women: A qualitative study

Antonella Nespoli et al. Women Birth. 2022 May.

Abstract

Problem: Several maternity units worldwide have rapidly put in place changes to maternity care pathways and restrictive preventive measures in the attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, resulting in birth companions often not being allowed to be present at birth and throughout hospital admission.

Background: The WHO strongly recommends that the emotional, practical, advocacy and health benefits of having a chosen birth companion are respected and accommodated, including women with suspected, likely or confirmed COVID-19.

Aim: To explore the lived experiences of the partners of COVID-19 positive childbearing women who gave birth during the first pandemic wave (March and April 2020) in a Northern Italy maternity hospital.

Methods: A qualitative study using an interpretive phenomenological approach was undertaken. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 partners. Thematic data analysis was conducted using NVivo software. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant Ethics Committee prior to commencing the study.

Findings: The findings include five main themes: (1) emotional impact of the pandemic; (2) partner and parent: a dual role; (3) not being present at birth: a 'denied' experience; (4) returning to 'normality'; (5) feedback to 'pandemic' maternity services and policies.

Discussion and conclusion: Key elements of good practice to promote positive childbirth experiences in the context of a pandemic were identified: presence of a birth companion; COVID-19 screening tests for support persons; timely, proactive and comprehensive communication of information to support persons; staggered hospital visiting times; follow-up of socio-psychological wellbeing; antenatal and postnatal home visiting; family-centred policies and services.

Keywords: Birth companions; Childbirth; Coronavirus; Experience; Maternity care; Midwifery; Pandemic; Partners.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Timeline of women and partners’ experiences in the contest of measures taken in Italy during COVID-19 pandemic.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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