Maternity Care Experiences Among Birthing Women in Two European-Region Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Clinical Trials NCT04847336.