Positive birth experiences: a systematic review of the lived experience from a birthing person’s perspective

Abstract

Background: Positive birth (PB) experiences assist with successful transition into parenthood and psychological growth. Identifying contributing factors, which assist in the achievement of such experiences, could inform birth workers and maternity service providers and improve experiences for future parents. Objective: To undertake a systematic review of factors which the birthing person perceived as contributing to their PB experience. Search strategy: Six databases were searched with English language restriction. Grey literature sources and relevant journal content were searched. Main results: Sixty-eight participants were included from studies conducted in Norway, Sweden, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). The major themes of the thematic synthesis were: strength through preparation; a positive mental attitude; feeling safe and connected through autonomy; the presence of others; and fond memories that were formulated. Findings informed birth workers that their authentic presence is valued by birthing people, and that a person’s or provider’s birthing culture impacts on a person’s perception of their birth experiences. In order to experience PB, maternity services should support individualised care. Conclusions: A PB experience matters to families, and enables self-esteem and confidence to be felt as a new parent. The unique individualised care and authentic presence of the birth workers provided strength, reassurance and encouragement during the birth process.