Objective. To identify how far the nature of labour support shapes women’s assessment of their birth experiences.
Method. The structured literature review described in this paper formed part of a broader comprehensive review of the literature on labour support. The broader review was undertaken in July 2009, updated in September 2011 and included a total of 147 sources. The thematic review described in this paper included 91 papers.
Findings. Intrapartum support has been extensively studied over the last 50 years. This has included substantial exploration of the role of intrapartum support in women’s assessment of their childbirth experiences and women’s definitions of support. The review of research found that support was a central factor in women’s responses to childbirth. Studies with women found a consistent list of priorities over time and across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Conclusion. High-quality continuous support is key in promoting normal birth and reducing medical interventions. It also improves women’s perceptions of the birth experience, promotes a positive adaptation to motherhood and reduces the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and other perinatal mental health problems. A large body of evidence enables the definition of the key concepts and behaviours considered by women to be central to the provision of high-quality intrapartum support.