The importance of communication and involvementin decision-making: A study in Ireland exploring birthsatisfaction using the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised(BSS-R)

Abstract

Understanding women's birth experiences and what is important to them could facilitate midwives and other health professionals to improve the quality of their care and develop guidelines and policies that focus on women and their families' needs. The vast majority of women rated their birthing experience as extremely positive. The main elements of care that contributed to a positive birthing experience for women were quality relationships with clinicians, choice and control, and emotional safety.