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Satisfaction with the birth experience has been established to be critical for the wellbeing of the mother. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) is a brief and psychometrically robust multi-dimensional self-report tool designed to assess birth experience. The current investigation sought to translate and validate a Czech Republic version of the BSS-R (CZ-BSS-R). Following translation psychometric assessment of the CZ-BSS-R was undertaken using a cross-sectional design. A between-subjects design was incorporated in order to evaluate known-groups validity evaluation of the translated measure. Four hundred and sixty-five Czech-speaking women within the Czech Republic took part in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken and divergent and convergent validity and internal consistency characteristics also evaluated. The CZ-BSS-R was observed to have excellent psychometric properties and conceptually and measurement faithful to the original English-language measure. Consistent with previous investigations using the BSS-R significant differences were found in scores as a function of delivery type. The CZ-BSS-R is a valid, robust and reliable measure of birth experience and suitable for use with Czech-speaking women in the Czech Republic. The study highlighted that instrument and emergency Caesarean section were associated with a lower level of birth satisfaction compared to vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Around one-third of women experience childbirth trauma, with 3%--15% developing postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD). AIM: Explore birth satisfaction and health perception across two groups of postnatal women with either high or low trauma scores. METHOD: Forty postnatal women were divided into groups dependent upon Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) scores: high severity (n = 20; range 25-57) or low severity (n = 20; range 0-7). Semi-structured interviews explored women's childbirth experiences related to birth satisfaction and reports of postnatal health. Thematic analysis was performed. FINDINGS: Narrative content differed appreciably between high (A) and low (B) scoring groups. Group A narratives were more negative (A1: Overall, a negative recall), referencing lack of autonomy, support, or being heard (A2: Missing needs) and negative influences (A3: Disrupting my bubble). Group B recalled more birth satisfaction (B1: Mostly positive recall) associated with (B2: Autonomy; B3: Being cared for; B4: Intuition, instinct, and primal force). Group A narratives focused strongly on mental health (A4: Reduced awareness; A6: Experiencing PTSD; A7: Needing help), with some focus on physical health (A5: How I feel physically); Group B spoke less about health (B5: My health). DISCUSSION: High-quality psychological care during labor, with continuity, choice, support, and control, alongside postnatal health follow-up may improve birth satisfaction and reduce the incidence of PP-PTSD. CONCLUSION: To increase birth satisfaction and reduce trauma, maternity care providers must be supported to prioritize high-quality psychological care to women during labor, providing choice, control, and continuity within trusting relationships. Trusting relationships are key to ongoing conversations regarding health and seeking/receiving help. Routine birth satisfaction screening and education for care providers about signs of trauma are important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised is a short but valid and reliable robust measure of different aspects of birth satisfaction. This study aimed to test factor structure, validity and reliability of the Croatian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised. In the cross-sectional study, a convenient online sample of 552 women completed questionnaires in the first year postpartum. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised, subscale Satisfaction with Delivery from the Childbirth Perception Questionnaire, and a set of questions on demographic and obstetric data were administered. The results showed the excellent fit of both the three-factor model (Stress experienced during labour, Women's personal attributes, Quality of care) and two-factor model (with Stress and Women's attributes combined into one factor), with no significant difference between the two models. Furthermore, bi-factor modeling revealed a general factor of childbirth experience, which explains the variance of items from Stress and Women's attributes subscales. The internal consistency was high for the total scale and Quality of care, while acceptable for the other two subscales. Convergent and divergent validity was high. Known-group discriminant validity showed that women who gave birth by unassisted vaginal birth and planned caesarean section reported higher levels of birth satisfaction. In conclusion, both empirical findings and theoretical background suggest a three-factor model as the better solution for the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised conceptualization. As the Croatian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised was shown to be valid and reliable, it is recommended for use to measure birth satisfaction both for research and practical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Critical to maternal outcome and development of a healthy and relationship between mother and baby, is the woman's perception of her birth experience. The Birth Satisfaction Scale‐Revised (BSS‐R) has been demonstrated to be psychometrically robust, easily administered, and scored self‐report measure of birth experience. Aim of the study was to translate the UK‐BSS‐R into Hindi, collect data, and psychometrically validate an Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R. Methods: Psychometric assessment of the Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R was undertaken following translation using a cross‐sectional design. Evaluation of known‐groups validity was undertaken using an embedded between‐subjects component. Data were collected from (n = 312) postnatal Hindi speaking women in India. Measurement characteristics were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, divergent validity and internal consistency analysis. Results: The measurement properties of the Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R were observed to be equivocal, with the established tri‐dimensional measurement model not achieving best fit to data. Instead, an alternative two‐factor model offered an excellent fit to data. Significant differences were observed between Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R scores and family type and gestation term status, which highlights the relevance of these contextual aspects to the Indian birth experience. Internal consistency was observed to be low on some sub‐scales, indicating the potential need for future revision. Conclusions: The Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R is a measure of birth experience, which accepting some measurement caveats, is acceptable for use with Hindi speaking women in India. Further research is required to determine if modification of some of the items is required to improve internal consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To validate the Italian-language version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) and report key measurement properties of the tool. To evaluate the impact of antenatal class attendance on BSS-R assessed birth satisfaction. Maternal satisfaction is one of the standards of care defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to improve the quality of services. The BSS-R is a multi-dimensional self-report measure of the experience of labour and birth. Cross-sectional instrument evaluation design examining factor structure and key aspects of validity and reliability. Embedded between-subjects design to examine known-group discriminant validity and the impact of antenatal class attendance on BSS-R sub-scale and total scores as dependent variables. After giving birth, 297 women provided data for analysis. The Italian version of the BSS-R (I-BSS-R) was the key study measure. The established three-factor and bi-factor models of the BSS-R were found to offer an excellent fit to the data. Comparison of the tri-dimensional measurement model and the bi-factor model of the BSS-R found no significant differences between models. Women who attended antenatal classes had significantly lower stress experienced during childbearing sub-scale scores (I-BSS-R SE), compared to those who did not. Good convergent, divergent validity and known-groups discriminant validity were established for the I-BSS-R. Internal consistency observations were found to be sub-optimal in this population. On all key psychometric indices, with the exception of internal consistency that requires further investigation, the I-BSS-R was found to be a valid translation of the original BSS-R. The impact of antenatal classes on birth satisfaction warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Satisfaction with the birth experience is increasingly recognized as critical to the well-being of mother and baby and thus accurate assessment of this key dimension is essential. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) has been shown to be a robust, valid, and reliable measure of birth experience. The current study sought to develop an Urdu version of the measure to be used in Pakistan. METHODS: Following translation, a cross-sectional design was used to examine the measurement properties of the Pakistan (Urdu)-BSS-R (P-BSS-R). Participants were a purposive sample of Pakistani postnatal women (n = 200). Key psychometric properties were examined using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), internal consistency evaluation, and known-groups discriminant validity testing. RESULTS: The majority of measurement parameters for clinical application of the P-BSS-R were found to be acceptable with good known-groups discriminant validity and data fit to the tri-dimensional theoretical model of the BSS-R observed. However, some idiosyncratic observations were highlighted, including unexpected low internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: The P-BSS-R was found to be a generally valid and reliable measure of the experience, a caveat being low internal consistency warranting further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childbirth satisfaction may positively affect maternal intention to have a future pregnancy and preference to have a cesarean. We translate the UK-Birth-Satisfaction-Scale-Revised (UK-BSS-R) into Persian and validate an Iranian-BSS-R for future use in this population. In total, 784 mothers who were hospitalized in postpartum wards completed the Persian version of the BSS-R. The confirmatory factor analysis on 10-items scale confirmed the conventional three-factor structure. The Cronbach's alpha of the Iranian-BSS-R subscales and the total score were within the range of 0.53–0.76. Our findings provide further evidence that the BSS-R is an internationally reliable and valid instrument to measure birth satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is good evidence that Continuity of Midwifery Care (CMC) is associated with improved clinical outcomes, greater maternal satisfaction, and improved work experiences for midwives. Changes made to the organisation require careful implementation, with on-going evaluation to monitor progress. To develop a survey tool that incorporates several validated scales, which was used to collect baseline data prior to implementing a high-quality Continuity of Midwifery Care (CMC) model in Scotland (Hewitt et al., 2019). This tool gathered data about midwives' personal and professional wellbeing prior to service reorganisation, with a longitudinal study intended to measure change in midwives' reportage across time. This paper reports the baseline data-collection. An on-line survey was shared with practising midwives (n = 321) in Scotland via the NHS intranet, verbally, email, and paper. The survey elicited midwives views about Continuity of Midwifery Care (CMC); values and philosophies of care; attitudes towards their professional role; personal and professional demographics; quality of life and wellbeing. Psychometric attitudinal scales were scored and free text comments themed according to positive/negative opinions of the new Continuity of Midwifery Care (CMC) model to highlight key concerns to be addressed and identify change barriers or facilitators. The majority of midwives indicated support for philosophies underpinning Continuity of Midwifery Care (CMC), which includes physiological birth and providing autonomous midwifery care. Participants also indicated positive attitudes towards their current role and organisation, with some worrying about how the organisation was going to implement the changes required. Worries included, receiving an overburdening workload, being deskilled in certain areas of midwifery practice, and lack of support were litigation to arise. Midwives support the values and philosophies that underpin Continuity of Midwifery Care (CMC), yet worry about organisational change involved in evolving systems of care. Hence, management require to implement strategies to reduce fears. For example, delivering accurate and honest information, enabling midwives to plan, design and implement changes themselves, and providing emotional and material help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and background: The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) is a multi-dimensional measure which is recommended by international clinical guidelines for global use as the birth satisfaction outcome measure of choice. The current investigation sought to develop a Hebrew version of the BSS-R for use in the Jewish–Israeli context and examine the relationship between BSS-R domains and the perception of the experience of labour as traumatic. Methods: Following review, translation, and back-translation for linguistic equivalence, a Hebrew version of the BSS-R (H-BSS-R) was prepared and psychometrically evaluated using key indices of validity and reliability. Complete multivariate normal data from 288 first-time Jewish Israeli mothers within two years after childbirth was entered into the analysis. Results: The H-BSS-R was found to have a good fit to the BSS-R tridimensional measurement model, excellent internal consistency, divergent and known-group discriminant validity. Moreover, women who experienced their labour as traumatic had significantly lower H-BSS-R subscale scores than women who reported that their birth experience was non-traumatic. Conclusion: The H-BSS-R is a robust and valid measure suitable for use with Jewish–Israeli women, as well as for investigating the relationship between traumatic labour and birth satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and background: The 10-item Birth Satisfaction Scale - Revised (BSS-R) is increasingly being used internationally as the instrument of choice for the assessment of birth satisfaction. There remains conjecture over the most appropriate way to score the instrument; subscale scores overall total score, or both approaches. The current study sought to clarify this issue by examining the measurement characteristics of the United States version of the BSS-R from a large data set. Methods: Secondary analysis of a data matrix from a large sample US BSS-R validation study (N = 2116) using structural equation modelling. Results: A bi-factor model revealed an excellent fit to data (χ2(df = 25) = 208.21, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.04), demonstrating relative independence of the BSS-R quality of care subscale, while in contrast the women’s attributes and stress experienced during childbearing subscales could be explained more plausibly by a general factor of experience of childbirth. Conclusion: Consistent with the recommendations of the original BSS-R validation study, the current investigation found robust empirical evidence to support the use of both the subscale scoring system and the total score. Researchers and clinicians can therefore select either approach (or both) with confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research sought to test the measurement invariance of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) across United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) samples. Multiple-group measurement was tested and latent means analysis compared levels of birth satisfaction across the samples.Method: Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), data previously collected from 409 mothers (181 US mothers; 228 UK mothers) were used to examine the multiple-group measurement invariance of the BSS-R across US and UK samples.Results:A correlated factors BSS-R model demonstrated partial measurement invariance. US mothers had significantly lower birth satisfaction levels on the three BSS-R subscales.Conclusions: This research demonstrates that the BSS-R is a robust tool that can be used to reliably measure women’s birth satisfaction within and across the US and UK. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To explore factors that influence fathers' experiences of childbirth and implications for their subsequent postnatal mental health. Fathers who attend the birth of their baby often have very rewarding experiences. However, those who witness a difficult birth may progress to develop subsequent mental health problems, e.g., trauma symptoms that can affect future relationships with partner and infant. A narrative systematic review of literature was carried out. Two overarching themes were identified, each with 3 underpinning sub-themes: (1) Interpersonal relationships with maternity care professionals; (1b) Communication; (1b) Feeling isolated during labour; (1c) Being prepared; (2) The aftermath; (2a) Support provision; (2b) Effects on relationships; (2c) Psychological trauma. Findings emphasise that good communication between fathers and midwives is a fundamental part of providing excellent care before, during and post-childbirth, as it can reduce partners' feelings of isolation, improve their relationships and limit development and impact of psychological trauma. It is important to develop more on-line partner sites, parenthood education programmes and support groups, which include education about how to prevent, recognise, support and treat mental health complications. Also, further in-depth qualitative studies would enhance understanding of specific aspects of labour that traumatise fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:‘Birth Satisfaction’ is a term that encompasses a woman’s evaluation of her birth experience. The term includes factors such as her appraisal of the quality of care she received, a personal assessment of how she coped, and her reconstructions of what happened on that particular day. Her accounts may be accurate or skewed, yet correspond with her reality of how events unfolded.Objective:To evaluate properties of an instrument designed to measure birth satisfaction in a Greek population of postnatal women.Study design:We assessed factor structure, internal consistency, divergent validity and known-groups discriminant validity of the 30-item Greek Birth Satisfaction Scale – Long Form (30-item G-BSS-LF) and its revised version the 10-item Greek-BSS-Revised (10-item-G-BSS-R), using survey data collected in Athens.Participants:A convenience sample of healthy Greek postnatal women (n = 162) aged 22–46 years who had delivered between 34 and 42 weeks’ gestation.Results:The 30-item-G-BSS-LF performed poorly in terms of factor structure. The short-form 10-item-G-BSS-R performed well in terms of measurement replication of the English equivalent version as a multidimensional instrument. The short-form 10-item-G-BSS-R comprises three subscales which measure distinct but correlated domains of: (1) quality of care provision (4 items), (2) women’s personal attributes (2 items), and (3) stress experienced during labour (4 items).Key conclusions: The 10-item-G-BSS-R is a valid and reliable multidimensional psychometric instrument for measuring birth satisfaction in Greek postnatal women. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

If women are to be empowered to make choices for childbirth, it is important that midwives explore and discuss their wishes and feelings about the delivery options available. Providing practical and sensible information should facilitate women with constructing a more accurate picture from which realistic hopes, fears and expectations can be formulated about impending labour. To facilitate midwives with this process, a flexible framework for a birth plan has been proposed. This easy to complete template can be used to assist childbearing women with assimilating their ambitions and desires regarding labour. Birth planning is important, since studies that compare women's expectations of childbirth with actual experience present contrasting accounts, with disappointment, guilt and failure compared with delight, pride and success. Since experiences differ it is recommended that midwives audit birth satisfaction against women's birth plans. Results would inform auditors of whether there is satisfaction with a woman's birth experience and the quality of care that she perceived she received. Women's articulated wishes about birth would facilitate understanding of why satisfaction/dissatisfaction occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to develop a scale—the Birth Participation Scale (BPS)—which midwives can use to measure fathers' attitudes and needs in relation to birth participation. The objectives were to use the BPS to: detect whether fathers genuinely want to be present at the birth; identify localized perceptions and fears fathers may have about birth participation; and ascertain whether being present at the birth was a rewarding experience. A quantitative survey was carried out with data collected from York District Hospital Maternity Unit (UK). The participants were a stratified sample of first-time (n= 42) and second-time fathers (n= 36). Measurements and findings: the BPS was issued at two observation points: prior to birth participation and post birth participation. Difference in scores between conditions assessed the fathers' attitudes towards birth participation in a positive or negative direction. Scores post birth showed a small shift in attitude in a positive direction for first-time (p= 0.01) and second-time fathers (p= 0.02) with only 4% finding birth partnering more difficult than they had anticipated. Key conclusions are that midwives are facilitating the majority of fathers towards a positive birth experience. Implications for practice are that the BPS may prove useful for: identifying whether fathers genuinely want to be present at the birth; ascertaining fathers' personal concerns in relation to birth participation; and tailoring birth preparation to meet fathers individualized needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]