Perception of respectful maternity care and birth satisfaction among postpartum women: a cross-sectional study in a baby-friendly hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perceptions of respectful childbirth care and birth satisfaction among women giving birth in a baby-friendly hospital and to identify factors associated with these outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to examine women who gave birth in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a baby-friendly university hospital in Türkiye. In total, 200 postpartum women meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Perception of Respectful Maternity Care Scale, and Birth Satisfaction Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Multiple regression models explained 8.1-19.4% of the variance in the perception of respectful childbirth care and 6.8-13.3% of the variance in birth satisfaction. A moderate and statistically significant correlation was found between the perception of respectful maternal care and childbirth satisfaction (r=0.464, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: A higher perception of respectful maternity care is associated with greater birth satisfaction. It is recommended that nurses and other healthcare professionals adopt this care model, receive related training, and practice woman-centered care.