Care for women and newborns in South Bohemian obstetrics wards

Background: The care provided to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum contributes to optimising well-being and health. Care for both the woman and the newborn should be individualised, supporting free choice in providing care. An essential part of childbirth is bonding, which supports the relationship between the woman and the newborn. Goal: This paper aims to inform about partial data and examine mutual connections regarding the experience of childbirth, midwife, and paediatric nurse care for women and newborns in the early postpartum period in South Bohemian obstetrics wards. Methods: This research used a quantitative method. The data were processed in SPSS and SASD programs. The research group consisted of 361 women; the selection criteria were at least 6 weeks and a maximum of 9 months after childbirth in South Bohemian obstetrics wards. Results: 73.4% of women perceived support from the midwife during childbirth, and 58.7% perceived childbirth as a natural process. Women with complications during childbirth were more likely to perceive the experience of childbirth as average. Women who had psychological difficulties during pregnancy perceived more fear during childbirth. Women who experienced bonding in the delivery room were most satisfied. Conclusion: Women should be informed and prepared for labour and delivery to know what to expect. Health professionals need to receive information from women so that they can provide holistic care and thus support their positive motherhood experience.