Childbirth experience in women participating in a continuity of midwifery care project

Continuity models of care are rare in Sweden, despite the evidence of their benefit to women and babies. Previous studies have shown certain factors are associated with a positive birth experience, including continuity of midwifery care.

The aim was to investigate women's childbirth experiences in relation to background data, birth outcome and continuity with a known midwife, in a rural area of Sweden.

An experimental cohort study. Participating women were offered continuity of midwifery care in pregnancy and birth, during selected time periods. Data were collected in mid-pregnancy and two months after birth. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire was used to determine women's birth experiences.

A total of 226 women responded to the follow-up questionnaire. Not living with a partner, fear of giving birth, and a birth preference other than vaginal were associated with a less positive birth experience. Having had a vaginal birth with no epidural, no augmentation and no birth complication all yield a better birth experience. Women who had had a known midwife were more likely to have had a positive birth experience overall, predominantly in the domain Professional support.

The results of this study showed that women who received care from a known midwife in labour were more likely to have a positive birth experience. The results also pointed out the benefits of a less medicalized birth as important for a good birth experience, and that some women may need extra support to avoid a less positive birth experience.