Multiple case study exploring the impact of visitor restrictions in hospitals on childbirth support during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Objective Childbirth is a life‐changing experience for new mothers, birth partners, and families. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic restricted labouring mothers' access to support in hospitals through visitor restrictions. The goal of this research was to describe childbirth support in hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods A qualitative study using a multiple case study design describes childbirth support in hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic from the perspectives of the new mother, birth partner, and obstetric hospital staff, including doulas, nurses, and obstetric providers. The setting was a large metropolitan area in South Texas. Sixteen participants were interviewed, including four new mothers, three birth partners, three doulas, three obstetric nurses, and three obstetric providers. Results Themes that emerged from the data include: under a spotlight, unmet expectations, discovering serenity, and quality childbirth support. Conclusion During the pandemic, new mothers and birth partners experienced fewer distractions, better communication with the hospital staff, and had better opportunities to bond with the newborn during labour and after birth, but did report missing the presence of their family and friends. Doulas, obstetric nurses, and obstetric providers found they were able to provide better quality and safer care to labouring mothers and birth partners.