The most comprehensive synthesis was undertaken by Hodnett in 2002. A systematic and robust review of 137 methodologically varied studies exploring pain and women’s satisfaction with their birth experience was undertaken. This review included descriptive studies, RCTs and systematic reviews of intrapartum interventions. The findings of each of these three key types of research were synthesised separately and then summarised qualitatively. A total of 29 studies of satisfaction with intrapartum care were reviewed, ranging from small qualitative studies (n=16) to large populationbased surveys (n=>2000), including more than 14,000 women in nine countries. Of the included studies, 10 were undertaken in the UK. Hodnett described two of the larger populationbased surveys undertaken in the UK (Green et al, 1998; Green and Coupland, 1990) as among the most rigorous.