A qualitative study on the expectations and experiences of mothers during the childbirth process in Western Anatolia, Turkey

Abstract

The structure of the delivery room, the protection of privacy, the distance of the hospital and institution policies are important factors affecting women's birth experiences. This study aimed to give voice mothers' expectations of midwives during the birth process, the care received by them, and their views about the delivery environment. The research was conducted with primipara mothers in a public hospital through in-depth interviews in a qualitative pattern based on the interpretive content analysis approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with mothers who had a healthy baby within 8-24 hours after birth. This study was carried out with 15 mothers. Data were collected through semi-structured interview form, tape recorder, and questionnaires including socio-demographic characteristics. Three main themes and eight sub-themes were obtained in the research. Main themes described are delivery room environment, views related to midwives, and experiences during the birth process. Women stated that they found the delivery room hygienically inadequate, their privacy was not protected, and they felt lonely and scared. Women expect more information, support, patience, and friendliness from the midwives. The results obtained from the research will be important in the education of midwives and the regulation of the physical environment of delivery rooms.