Experiences of women receiving childbirth care from public health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana.

OBJECTIVE

to explore women's experiences with childbirth care in Kumasi, Ghana.

DESIGN

exploratory, qualitative research design using in-depth interviews and content analysis.

SETTING

four public health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana.

PARTICIPANTS

fifty-six women attending either antenatal or postnatal care at the four public health facilities.

MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS

individual in-depth interviews were used to explore women's experiences with childbirth care. Mothers had both encouraging and discouraging experiences during care, which influenced their willingness to seek assisted health care during childbirth in the future. Participants who had experiences of empathetic support and continuous labour support and attention reported these to be encouraging. Other participants reported discouraging experiences such as disrespectful care and inadequate communication and involvement in care decisions.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Women in our study wanted to be seen as partners in the care process and not subordinate to care providers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Midwives and student midwives must be given the tools and support to deliver patient-centred childbirth care.