Mothers' experiences of maternity care
In 2007 we carried out a survey of the experience of patients of NHS maternity services. The survey results describe women's experiences of maternity care and provide a detailed picture of the current quality of maternity services, as well as identifying areas for improvement.
Overall most women reported a positive experience of the care they received during pregnancy, labour and birth. However, women were less positive about their experiences of care after the birth of their baby. A high proportion of women reported;
- a lack of information and explanations
- not being treated with kindness and understanding
- poor standards of cleanliness in the postnatal ward or room
The survey findings suggest trusts need to involve women more in decisions about their care, not only during pregnancy, labour and birth, but immediately afterwards, and later at home with their baby.
Maternity survey 2007: Women's experiences of maternity care in the NHS in England
