Factors associated with puerperal women's perception of the support received from their companions during labor and delivery

Objective: The aim of the current study was to associate sociodemographic characteristics and satisfaction with the support received from companions during labor and delivery.

Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed in a maternity hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil, from March to August 2019, with 320 postpartum women. A form containing sociodemographic and obstetric questions, companion-related information, type of support provided, and the Birth Companion Support Questionnaire (BCSQ) were used to assess the frequency of social support behaviors. χ² and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results: Nonpharmacological methods were associated with an unsatisfactory perception of support, but the emotional support provided by companions was positively associated with women's satisfaction.

Conclusion: The findings of the current study concerning women's perceptions of the support received from their companions may allow improvements in the delivery of care to women in labor toward the humanization of obstetric practices.