Mothers’ and Midwives’ and Nurses’ Perception of Caring Behaviors During Childbirth: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Understanding mothers’ caring preferences during childbirth and midwives’ and nurses’ perception of mothers’ caring needs may enhance more satisfying birth experiences and positive health outcomes. The purpose of this descriptive comparative study was to identify the important caring behaviors provided during childbirth as perceived by mothers and midwives and nurses and the congruence of these perceptions between the two groups. A convenient sample of 100 postpartum mothers and 109 midwives and nurses was recruited from maternity settings in public hospitals in Jordan. This study demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the perceptions of caring behaviors between mothers and midwives and nurses. Mothers rated the need for spiritual caring behaviors as essential, while midwives and nurses did not perceive spiritual caring as a necessary part of their caregiving role. To design effective interventions that support a woman’s experience, midwives and nurses must identify and prioritize behaviors that convey caring to women during the intrapartum period.

Perception of caring behavior and associated factors among nurses and midwives working in public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia

“…Caring is central to midwifery and nursing practice. Effective caring promotes healing, health, individual and family growth, a sense of wholeness, and inner peace that transcends disease, trauma, or life changes [ 2 ]. Nursing care is stated through nurses caring behaviors, but a lack of professional caring results in reduced well-being and health of the patient.…”

“…Concrete nurses-midwives caring behaviors are used to validate all client-centered nursing care [ 7 ]. Individualized and mother-centered labor and childbirth are recommended by international policies and programs to ensure effective maternity services that result in better physical, emotional, and psychological outcomes [ 2 ]. Lack of respect from maternal health care providers may lead to dissatisfaction with Antenatal Care, delivery, and postnatal services, as well as a decrease in healthcare-seeking behavior and attendance at health care facilities [ 8 ].…”

“…There is a growing concern in developing countries about a lack of care in childbirth settings [ 6 ]. Caring behaviors of midwives and nurses are associated with mothers’ satisfaction with their childbirth experience [ 2 ]. Positively perceived caring behavior is organized for and to provide care to all women in a way that protects their confidentiality, dignity, and privacy, ensures their freedom from mistreatment and harm, and allows for continuous support and informed choice during labour and childbirth [ 11 ].…”