Birth Plans: What Matters for Birth Experience Satisfaction

Abstract

Having a higher number of requests fulfilled was positively associated with birth experience satisfaction, while having a high number of requests was inversely associated with birth experience satisfaction. Further research is needed to understand how to improve birth plan-related birth experience satisfaction.

A systematic mixed studies review of women's experiences of perineal trauma sustained during childbirth

“…Although childbirth is considered a normative occurrence that has never been safer in the western world (Walsh, ), adverse events can occur which may influence how a woman feels about her birth experience. Previous research has focused on identifying the risk factors associated with, a negative birth experience (Carquillat, Boulvain, & Guittier, ; Mei, Afshar, Gregory, Kilpatrick, & Esakoff, ) and the prevalence of maternal psychological distress in the postpartum period (Ayers, Bond, Bertullies, & Wijma, ; Yildiz, Ayers, & Phillips, ).…”

A qualitative analysis of parturients’ experiences using nitrous oxide for labor analgesia: It is not just about pain relief

“…In addition to analgesia and coping, autonomy and control of decision-making are major determinants of maternal satisfaction with the birth experience. 7,19,20 Although recent studies suggest that birth plans (physical documents intended to promote actualization of parturient preferences) may not enhance, and perhaps even diminish, maternal satisfaction with the birthing experience, 21,22 many women in our study made reference to the role of nitrous role in enabling them to actualize their birth plan. 23 Somewhat surprisingly, several women stated that the use of nitrous oxide helped them to achieve a "natural" childbirth (a finding not previously reported).…”

Effect of birth plans on childbirth experience: A systematic review

“…Three studies examined the effect of birth plans on the experience of childbirth. In a study by Kuo et al (2010) (Mei, Afshar, Gregory, Kilpatrick, & Esakoff, 2016) on 300 pregnant women showed that there were significant differences in satisfaction and childbirth experiences in the birth plan group compared with the control group. Women in the intervention group had less satisfaction with their childbirth experiences.…”