The impact of care and interventions during labor and delivery on maternal satisfaction

This study aimed to examine the effect of care and interventions provided during labor and delivery on maternal satisfaction. Employing a descriptive and correlational design, the research was conducted between February and July 2024 in the delivery unit of Trabzon Kanuni Training and Research Hospital (Numune Campus), with a sample of 340 postpartum women. Data were collected using the Pregnancy Identification Form, the Short-Form Birth Satisfaction Scale (T-BSS-R), and the Perception of Birth Practices Scale (BPPS). In addition to descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, appropriate post-hoc tests, as well as Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were employed. Findings revealed that 73.8% of participants reported a moderate level of birth satisfaction. A statistically significant, negative, and weak correlation was found between the total scores of T-BSS-R and BPPS (p<0.05). Interventions such as oxytocin induction, administration of antispasmodics, ultrasonography, episiotomy and frequent vaginal examinations were significantly associated with lower maternal satisfaction (p<0.05). In contrast, support for spontaneous pushing and immediate breastfeeding after birth were found to enhance satisfaction (p<0.05). Birth-related information, emotional support, and informed consent were uniformly provided to all participants and, therefore, did not have a significant effect on satisfaction. Moreover, no significant associations were found between maternal satisfaction and factors such as the presence of a birth companion, preferred pushing position, breastfeeding support, uterotonic use, management of placental delivery, uterine massage, postpartum complications, the newborn's clinical status, or routine care procedures (p>0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that certain clinical interventions and care practices during labor and delivery can significantly affect maternal satisfaction.