Variables related to maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care in Northern Italy

Background: The experience of labour and birth is complex, multidimensional and subjective and has the potential to affect the women and their families physically and emotionally. However, there is a lack of research around maternal satisfaction in Italy. Aim: To evaluate mothers’ satisfaction with their childbirth experience in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and intrapartum care variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 277 women who had given birth in a low risk maternity unit in Northern Italy was undertaken. Satisfaction with birth was measured using the Italian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (I-BSS-R). The scale comprises three Sub-Scales: quality of care provided, personal attributes of women and stress experienced during childbirth. Findings: No socio-demographic variables were related to maternal satisfaction. Multiparous women had a higher satisfaction score (p = 0.020; CI:0.23;2.75). Antenatal class attendance was negatively associated with maternal satisfaction (p = 0.038; CI:−2.58; −0.07). Intrapartum variables that significantly reduced maternal satisfaction were: epidural usage (p = 0.000; CI:−4.66; −2.07), active phase >12 h (p = 0.000; CI:−6.01; −2.63), oxytocin administration (p = 0.000; CI:−5.08; −2.29) and vacuum assisted birth (p = 0.001; CI:−6.50; −1.58). Women with an intact perineum were more likely to be satisfied (p = 0.008; CI:−4.60; −0.69). Discussion: In accordance with other research, we showed that intrapartum interventions are negatively associated with maternal outcomes and therefore also with maternal satisfaction with birth. The sub-scale that measured Quality of Care provided scored higher than the other two Sub-Scales. Conclusion: Further studies on maternal satisfaction in Italy should be conducted, using the I-BSS-R with the aim to compare outcomes and understand what matters to women during childbirth.