Research Support to woman by a companion of her choice during childbirth: a randomized controlled trial
2007

Support During Childbirth Improves Women's Satisfaction

Sample size: 212 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bruggemann Odalea M, Parpinelli Mary A, Osis Maria JD, Cecatti Jose G, Neto Antonio S Carvalhinho

Primary Institution: Federal University of Santa Catarina

Hypothesis

Does the presence of a companion during labor and delivery improve women's satisfaction with the birth experience?

Conclusion

Having a companion of the woman's choice positively influences her satisfaction with the birth process without affecting other medical outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women with a companion reported higher satisfaction scores during labor and delivery.
  • The presence of a companion was associated with a significant reduction in meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
  • Satisfaction was linked to the care received and medical guidance during labor.

Takeaway

When women have someone they trust with them during childbirth, they feel happier about the experience.

Methodology

A randomized controlled trial with 212 primiparous women, comparing those with and without a companion during labor.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the subjective nature of satisfaction assessments.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit generalizability.

Participant Demographics

Primiparous women, mean age of companions was 33.5 years, mostly with primary education.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95%CI: 4.84 – 13.43

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-4755-4-5

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