Discussion
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The themes identified in this study provide some insight into
the experiences of women and the issues that mattered to them
in labour. The majority of comments were positive, providing
insight into the factors that contributed to a positive experience
for women including having a good experience throughout the
episode of care; staff being helpful and caring; having good-
quality and timely care (even when it is busy); having adequate
pain relief and clarity about what is available; being provided
with accurate information on what to expect in labour; being
provided with good guidance on breathing and pushing in
labour; having good support in labour, one-to-one care and
individualised care; receiving care from midwives and doctors
who are professional, knowledgeable and able to act quickly;
and that women feel they can trust the caregiver to provide safe
care. These themes are broadly consistent with the findings of
Lavender and Walkinshaw (1999) and Proctor (1998).