Experiences and perceptions of birth companions supporting women in labour at a District Hospital in Limpopo, South Africa.
Joy V Summerton, Tsakani R Mtileni, Maphei E Moshabela
PMID 34797104WHAT IT FOUND
Most birth companions who gave feedback described positive experiences supporting labouring women and being welcomed by staff, but only 73 birth companions provided feedback during a period with 1860 births, so this cannot show how all companions feel.
Key findings
01Seventy-one of the 73 birth companions who gave feedback reported positive experiences, including appreciation for staff competency, respectful care, and positive attitudes toward companions.
02Two birth companions were dissatisfied with the midwife supporting the delivery, and one other witnessed a woman giving birth on the floor in the postnatal ward passage.
03The study had 1860 births but only 73 birth companions provided written feedback, and the authors state the findings are not generalisable.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
Only 73 birth companions provided feedback during a period with 1860 births, and the authors say the findings are not generalisable. There was no way to ensure all birth companions were invited to complete the feedback book, so missing feedback may reflect uneven encouragement by midwives. The feedback book was at the nurses' station, and some companions may have felt intimidated about writing negative comments despite the option to remain anonymous. The study reports companions' written perceptions, not patient or newborn outcomes, and it does not test whether birth companions improve care.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that birth companions were generally positive or that the birth companion initiative improved care. The feedback came from only 73 birth companions during a period with 1860 births, was voluntary, and the authors say the findings are not generalisable.