author(s)
Maj Vini Vinay, Maj Poonguzhali V, Kumud Dogra, Devi Priya, Geetha R and Brig Vandana Agnihotri

abstract

Background and Aim: Childbirth is a profoundly transformative experience that significantly influences a woman’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Maternal satisfaction with the childbirth experience is an important indicator of quality obstetric care and has long-term implications for future healthcare utilization. This study aimed to assess the level of maternal satisfaction among postnatal mothers and explore its association with selected sociodemographic variables in selected tertiary care hospitals of Western Maharashtra.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 92 postnatal mothers selected by systematic random sampling in the maternity wards of selected tertiary care hospitals in Western Maharashtra. Data were collected using structured Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction (SMMS). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and associations were tested using Fisher’s exact test.

Results: Among the 92 participants, 78.3% reported excellent satisfaction, 14.1% had good satisfaction and 7.6% reported poor satisfaction with their childbirth experience. The association between satisfaction levels and sociodemographic factors such as educational status, occupational status, and parity of the mother was not found to be statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The study revealed a high level of maternal satisfaction among postnatal mothers in tertiary care hospitals. Sociodemographic factors did not show a significant association with satisfaction levels, suggesting that quality of care and interpersonal support may be more influential. These findings highlighted the importance of patient-centred maternity care in enhanced maternal experiences and promote positive health outcomes.