Women’s experiences of communication and supportive care during labour: a qualitative study in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The findings of the study highlight persistent gaps in effective communication and supportive care for women during labour and childbirth. Possible interventions could be aimed at improving communication skills of health workers as well as fostering a culture of empathy and respect for women in their care. In addition, empowering women through antenatal education and implementing birth companion policies could further improve women's experiences during labour and childbirth.
Authors
- Christiane Horwood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4395-1423)
- Lyn Haskins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3636-5370)
- Sphindile Mapumulo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4747-4858)
- Silondile Luthuli
- Véronique Filippi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1331-3391)
- Tanya Doherty (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1592-0080)
Institutions
- South African Medical Research Council (ZA)
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (ZA)
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (GB)
- Health Systems Trust (ZA)
- University of the Western Cape (ZA)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (ZA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Published
- 2025-11-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-08334-0
- Primary Topic
- Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00