Meta-analysis of RCTs
One Cochrane library systematic review of specific relevance to this review was identified. The review analysed RCTs comparing the impact of continuous and intermittent support. It identified that women receiving continuous intrapartum support were significantly less likely to report dissatisfaction with the birth experience than women receiving intermittent support (Hodnett et al, 2011). Data on women’s overall satisfaction with the birth experience were collected in 11 trials, with 11,133 participants in total. Reported negative ratings or negative feelings about the childbirth experience were significantly lower among women who received continuous support (RR 0.69, 95%; CI 0.59 to 0.79).