Peer-reviewed article
Maternity Care Experiences Among Birthing Women in Two European-Region Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.
Artzi-Medvedik R, Hadjigeorgiou E, Kolokotroni O, Middleton N, Valente EP et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study examined how 157 women who gave birth in Cyprus and Israel during 2020-2023 experienced maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women reported fears of infection, restricted partner presence, separation from their infants after birth, unprofessional communication from staff, and inadequate breastfeeding support. The study identifies that pandemic-related policies and practices negatively affected birth experiences and highlights the need for policies that allow birth companions, reduce mother-infant separation, and support early breastfeeding.
Key points
- Women feared COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and birth
- Partner presence was restricted, limiting emotional support during labour and birth
- Maternal-infant separation occurred when COVID-19 was suspected or confirmed
- Communication from healthcare providers was perceived as unprofessional
- Breastfeeding support was limited during the pandemic period
Limitations
This study captures women's perceptions and experiences but does not measure clinical outcomes or infection rates. The qualitative design does not establish causation between specific policies and health outcomes, and findings may not generalise beyond these two countries.
Abstract
Background Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a lack of consensus regarding maternity care infection mitigation practices, including maternal-infant separation when COVID-19 was suspected or confirmed, partner presence and breastfeeding. Aim To gain insight into the perceived maternity care and birth experiences of women during and following the COVID-19 pandemic in two neighbouring WHO European-Region countries. Methods Qualitative content analysis was conducted using the text responses to open-ended questions in an online survey regarding hospital-based maternity care experiences of 157 women who gave birth between 2020-2023 in Cyprus and Israel. Findings Three common themes of women's experiences and perceptions in both countries were identified: COVID-19 shaped maternity care context; professional atmosphere of the birth experience; and professionalism of breastfeeding support. Women feared infection, faced restricted partner presence, were separated from their infants, experienced unprofessional communication and received limited breastfeeding support. Conclusion The findings highlight that challenges were amplified during the pandemic, underscoring the urgency for healthcare providers and policymakers to address these concerns. Findings can inform improvement of post-pandemic maternity care to enhance birth experiences and guide emergency preparedness, protecting the needs and rights of birthing women, including permitting a companion of choice, reducing maternal-infant separation and providing early breastfeeding support. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT04847336.