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The consumers' attitude to obstetric care
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Most mothers are satisfied with obstetric care and fetal monitoring, finding it reassuring. Few believe labor events impact child bonding, with many viewing labor pain as essential to childbirth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Consumer pressure is influencing obstetric practices.
- Understanding recent mothers' perspectives on labor and delivery is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey mothers' opinions on obstetric care during labor.
- To assess the perceived effects of labor and delivery on mother-child bonding.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 1000 mothers one year postpartum.
- 632 questionnaires were returned, providing data on maternal experiences and attitudes.
Main Results:
- The majority of women agreed with established medical views on obstetric care.
- 63% found fetal monitoring reassuring; only 19% linked labor events to child bonding.
- 45% viewed labor pain as integral to the childbirth emotional experience.
Conclusions:
- Maternal attitudes towards obstetric care align more with medical consensus than natural childbirth advocacy.
- Labor pain is viewed by many as a key emotional component of childbirth.
- Recent mothers' opinions should inform changes in obstetric practices responding to consumer demands.