The Effects of Childbirth Education on Maternity Outcomes and Maternal Satisfaction

Past evaluation of the effectiveness of childbirth education classes related to obstetric outcomes and satisfaction with the birth experience have not shown consistent results. This study explored the relationship between attendance of set curriculum childbirth education class and the labor and birth process, as well as maternal satisfaction with the birth experience. Participants were 197 low-risk, primiparous women, self-selected into two groups consisting of 82 women who attended a childbirth class and 115 women who did not. Data were collected from medical records and a postpartum satisfaction survey was completed by each participant. The authors designed the Likert-type satisfaction survey based on "control" as a key factor in satisfaction. Data analysis revealed that women who took a class were less likely to be induced and had lower use of analgesics during labor. A logistical regression model showed that an increase in the number of interventions increased the risk for cesarean surgery for all women. Labor interventions were used significantly less in women who took a childbirth class. No statistical difference was seen in the perception of control or overall satisfaction of the birth experience. Childbirth education may help women prepare for what to expect in birth and minimize the use of medical interventions.