1 research outputs found
Exploring mothersâ experiences of perinatal care in Cyprus: Babies Born Better survey
Introduction
A positive perinatal experience facilitates a smooth transition to motherhood and enhances the development of a strong bond between mother and newborn, contributing to maternal and societal wellbeing. Given the medicalization of childbirth in Cyprus, the examination of mothersâ experiences of perinatal care becomes imperative.
Aim
To investigate mothersâ experiences of care during the perinatal period and to identify factors related to the provision of maternal care that contribute to the interpretation of these experiences.
Methods
The study draws on data from the European survey âBabies Born Betterâ, an online survey utilizing a mixed-methods approach to explore womenâs experiences of maternity care across Europe. The study population were women who had given birth in Cyprus over a 5-year period (2013â2018). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v22, while qualitative data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.
Findings
A total of 360 mothers participated in the study. In rating their overall experience, 24.2% stated that they had a âbad experienceâ, 11.1% a âgood experienceâ,13.9% a âvery good experienceâ, and 13,3% a âvery bad experienceâ. The top three sub-factors of the overall experience which received positive evaluation were âRelationship with health care professionalsâ (33.6%), âBirth environment and careâ (11.4%), and âBreastfeeding guidanceâ (10.8%). The qualitative analysis yielded five themes: âRelationship with health care professionalsâ, âBreastfeeding establishmentâ, âChildbirth rightsâ, âBirth environment and servicesâ and âChoice of mode of birthâ.
Conclusion
Mothers in Cyprus wish to have respectful maternity care. They need maternity health care professionals to respect their dignity and ask for evidence-based information with shared decision making. Mothers in Cyprus expect to have their childbirth rights safeguarded, to have better support from HCP, and to receive humanized care. The perinatal care provided in Cyprus needs significant improvements based on mothersâ needs and expectations