[Impact of hospital architecture on the birthing experience: a phenomenological study with mothers-to-be who are design experts].

Abstract

Background: The birthplace has a crucial role in shaping the childbirth experience and mothers' satisfaction levels. This study aimed to identify the experiences and perceptions that may have an impact in the long-term on mothers' birthing experience, considering hospital design features in the birthing environment until discharge.

Methods: Inductive thematic analysis of twenty-five hospital labor testimonies employing a phenomenological research approach and utilizing a biographical method. Participants were women with a professional background in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, or interior design.

Results: The results are organized into four themes and seven subthemes. The first theme is "First sight and long term impression" which is subdivided into the subthemes "Depersonalized itinerary in entrances and corridors" and "Instinctive search for connection with nature". The second theme deals with "Accompaniment and tucking in during the birthing process", subdivided into "Hotel-like: space for movement and personalized adaptation" and "Helplessness, cold and uncertainty: spaces to be against one's will". The third theme is "Damage in collateral rooms", which includes "The integration of toilets in the birthing process", "Operating rooms unchangeable in the face of cesarean delivery" and "Neonatal units that do not integrate families". Finally, the fourth theme includes "Improvement proposals for new designs".

Conclusions: This study contributes to the existing literature by deepening the understanding of the design features identified in hospitals in recent studies. Further research incorporating the experiences of women in the birthing process is needed to facilitate evidence-based design policies.