Abstract
Aim:
To explore women’s experiences of physical features in a birthing room
designed to be adaptable to personal wishes and needs during labor and
birth.
Background:
Childbirth is a central life event influenced by numerous factors, including
the healthcare environment; however, there is insufficient knowledge on how
the physical design affects women during birth.
Methods:
This study was part of a randomized controlled trial in the Room4Birth
research project, including women randomized to receive care in a new
birthing room designed with physical features changeable according to
personal wishes. Data consisted of responses to two questions analyzed with
descriptive statistics (n = 202) and semi-structured
interviews analyzed for content (n = 19).
Results:
A total of 93.6% (n = 189) assessed the physical features in
the birthing room as meaningful to a very high or high extent. The overall
impression of the room was positive and exceeded women’s expectations. They
felt welcomed and strengthened by the room, which shifted the focus to a
more positive emotional state. The room differed from traditional hospital
birthing rooms, contained familiar features that maintained integrity, and
had space for companions. The variety of physical features was appreciated.
Of nine listed physical features, the bathtub was ranked most important,
followed by the projection of nature scenery, and dimmable lighting, but the
room as a whole appeared most important.
Conclusions:
When planning and designing hospital-based birthing rooms, it is crucial to
offer possibilities to adapt the room and physical features according to
personal wishes.
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