The effect of individualized midwifery care provided during labor on birth satisfaction and newborn perception

This study was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design to evaluate the effect of individualized midwifery care provided during labor on birth satisfaction and levels of newborn perception. The research was carried out in the Delivery Unit of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Health Practice, Education and Research Hospital between March 21, 2025, and November 1, 2025. A total of 80 women who had vaginal births and met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), and the Newborn Perception Scale (NPS I–II). NPS I was administered in the early postpartum period, while NPS II was applied in the first postpartum month. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics, parametric and nonparametric tests, correlation analyses, and repeated measures analyses were conducted, with the level of statistical significance set at p<0.05.The experimental and control groups were generally similar in terms of sociodemographic, obstetric, admission-to-labor-ward, and neonatal characteristics. However, statistically significant differences were identified only in the variables of current psychological status and cohabitation at home (p<0.05). According to the findings, the experimental group that received individualized midwifery care during labor had significantly higher total and subscale mean scores on the Birth Satisfaction Scale compared to the control group (p<0.001), indicating that individualized care was effective in increasing birth satisfaction. In the experimental group, birth satisfaction was particularly associated with the mother's psychological status. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of total mean scores on the Newborn Perception Scale I and II (p>0.05). However, in the early postpartum period, the experimental group demonstrated a more positive perception of the newborn, whereas in the first-month assessment, the control group exhibited a more positive perception. The proportion of mothers who perceived their newborns negatively was found to be high in both groups during both assessment periods. In the experimental group, a weak and non-significant negative correlation was observed between the total BSS score and NPS I, while a weak and non-significant positive correlation was identified between the total BSS score and NPS II (p>0.05). In conclusion, individualized midwifery care provided during labor has a clear and positive effect on birth satisfaction; while it contributes positively to newborn perception in the early postpartum period, it does not produce a sustained difference at the first postpartum month.