The aim of this study was to examine factors related to how the first-time
mother experiences childbirth. The data were collected by questionnaire in
a sample of 326 first-time mothers in Tampere University hospital in Finlan
d. The multivariate method used was a stepwise regression analysis. The mos
t important predictors for the nature of the childbirth experience were the
characteristics of the midwife, such as empathy, Friendliness, tenderness,
calmness and lack of hurry; the attitude of the child's father toward the
pregnancy; the duration of delivery; and the mother's age and marital statu
s. The more positive the experience the mother had of the: attending midwif
e caring for her, the more positively she experienced childbirth. The posit
ive attitude of the child's father toward the pregnancy and a short duratio
n of delivery were also predictors for a positive childbirth experience. Yo
ung and unmarried mothers also had more positive experiences of childbirth.
On the basis of the research results, we can state that positive childbirt
h experiences of first-time mothers are enhanced by the positive characteri
stics and professional skills of the attending midwife, positive attitude o
f the spouse/child's father toward the pregnancy, and a short duration of d
elivery.