Receiving maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of women’s partners and support persons |
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Institution: | 1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia;2. Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia;3. Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia;4. Department of Nursing, Midwifery Education and Research, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Western Australia, Australia;5. Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia;6. Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia;7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Department of Medical Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia |
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Abstract: | BackgroundIn Australia, the provision of maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly altered to limit transmission of the virus. Many hospitals limited face-to-face appointments to only the pregnant woman and restricted the number of support people present during labour, birth, and postnatal visits to one person. How these restrictions were experienced by partners and support persons of childbearing women are unknown.AimTo explore the experiences of partners and support persons of women receiving maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA two-phased qualitative study including an online survey and interviews. Analysis was undertaken using content analysis.FindingsPartners and support persons experienced a sense of ‘missing out’ from the pregnancy and maternity care experience because of changes in the provision of care during the pandemic. They reported feelings of isolation, psychological distress, and reduced bonding time with babies. Conflicting information and processes within and across maternity services contributed to feelings of uncertainty and a perceived reduction in the quality of care. Partners and support persons were negatively impacted by restrictions on maternity wards, however they also perceived these to be of benefit to women.DiscussionMany partners and support persons were negatively impacted by restrictions in maternity services during the pandemic; strategies to ensure their active involvement in maternity care are needed.ConclusionThis study offers insights from the unique perspective of partners and support people of women receiving maternity care during the pandemic. Policies and processes that exclude partners and support persons need to be reconsidered. |
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Keywords: | Partners Fathers Support Midwifery COVID-19 Pregnancy |
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