Abstract
Problem
There is a paucity of research on experiences and views of women at higher risk of
preterm birth of midwifery continuity of care.
Background
Midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) has been associated with improved maternal outcomes
and with lower levels of preterm births and stillbirths. The majority of MCoC studies
have focused on women without risk factors and little has been published on women
with obstetric complexities. The aim of this study is to explore the views and experiences
of women identified as a higher risk of preterm birth who have had continuity of care
from midwives.
Design
Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 16 women identified as at increased
risk of preterm birth and experienced continuity of midwifery care across pregnancy,
birth and the postnatal period. Care had been provided by the pilot intervention group
for the pilot study of midwifery practice in preterm birth including women’s experiences
(POPPIE) trial.
Findings
Women valued continuity of midwifery care across the care pathway and described the
reassurance provided by having 24 h a day, seven days a week access to known midwives.
Consistency of care, advocacy and accessibility to the team were described as the
main factors contributing to their feelings of safety and control.
Key conclusions
Recognising that known midwives were ‘there all the time’ made women feel listened
to and actively involved in clinical decision making, which contributed to women feeling
less stressed and anxious during their pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. When
developing MCoC models for women with obstetric complexities: access, advocacy and
time should be embedded to ensure women can build trusting relationships and reduce
anxiety levels.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 20, 2023
Accepted:
January 17,
2023
Received in revised form:
January 16,
2023
Received:
June 28,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Midwives.
