Qualitative analysis of Czech Women's views on maternity and childbirth care

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Women's healthcare experiences during early motherhood are a specific, multifaceted concept. Many factors influence women's expectations and subsequent reflection of experiences. The experience of motherhood determines the psychosomatic health of the woman and child. <h3>Aim</h3> to identify women's preferences and deficiencies in the maternity care system in the Czech Republic perceived by women. The paper presents the first qualitative results of anational cross-sectional survey. <h3>Methods</h3> A standardised questionnaire, PREMAPEQ, was used. The respondents could provide free-text comments on their experiences to better illustrate the situation. The results come from the first data collection stage (May–December 2022). The themes found were discussed among team members. The framework analysis was used. <h3>Limits</h3> free-text comments differed in length, content and details. <h3>Results and discussion</h3> Of the total number of 1944 filled questionnaires, 607 contain women's experiences. The average age of women was 30,7; more than half of them were primiparous, and women with university education, 73 % of women had partners at birth. Women valued the empathetic and respectful approach of caregivers. The least satisfaction appeared in care organisations, especially in postnatal wards, with information given and breastfeeding (non)support. Some women even mentioned trauma. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Even in the context of excellent perinatal outcomes, figures alone cannot adequately capture the quality of care provided, particularly what women feel, experience and want. The under-researched perinatal care experience, as seen through the lens of women, limits our understanding of their needs and, consequently, the midwives' ability to provide individualised, respectful care.