Experiences of childbirth care among mothers in Lithuania during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare practices, especially the provision of face-to-face services due to restrictions and social distance. The aim of the study was to analyze the experience of childbirth care among mothers in Lithuania during the pandemic. A qualitative design was adopted in the study. Research data were collected as part of the international Babies Born Better survey. Data of 200 women who gave birth in Lithuania (February-June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic) was included. Participant responses to open-ended questions regarding childbirth care experiences were analyzed using an inductive thematic framework. Four themes emerged: "Subjective experience of birth care service," "COVID-19 policies," "Consideration of mother/baby needs," and "Perception towards staff." Emotional aspects of different care levels were highlighted in themes. Women expressed feelings of thankfulness for staff professionality and responding to their needs. However, perceived staff rudeness, lack of information and absence of an accompanied person negatively related to mothers' perceptions of satisfaction. The results revealed mothers' perceptions of strengths and challenges of the maternity care system in the country where the pandemic was managed with early vaccination, strict lockdown measures and social distancing-higher appreciation of service, regret for disturbed emotional aspects of communication, and lack of support from family members.