Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore childbirth experiences during COVID-19 visitor restrictions. METHODS: We used a descriptive phenomenological approach in our study, which took place in a postpartum unit at a level IV birthing hospital in the Mideastern United States, where 3617 births occurred in 2019. RESULTS: A total of 22 participants who were older than 18 years, who gave birth at 37 weeks gestation or more, and who had at least 1 birth experience in the United States prior to the COVID-19 pandemic participated in this study. We assessed participants' birth experiences before and during COVID-19 visitor restrictions through in-depth interviews. Participant perspectives revealed the following 6 themes after an iterative analysis: A Shared Personal Connection is a Valued Trait, A Female Support Person is Important, Nurses Went the Extra Mile, Support People Help with Decision-Making, Two is an Ideal Number of Support People, and Increased Psychological Burden. DISCUSSION: These findings are vital to inform hospital visitor policies moving forward in the endemic reality of COVID-19 pandemic.
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1773452051, G3418878615, G9000030090
OpenAlex ID: W4402889596