Women have their say on maternity services in Wales

Funded by the Welsh Government, the survey explores women’s experiences of pregnancy and birth in Wales. 

Midwives and women from the local user forums in all the health boards across Wales will meet in Cardiff City Hall to listen to the findings and to debate how services could be enhanced to respond to women’s views.

The survey, which closed in April this year, aimed to evaluate women’s views of antenatal services and how current service provisions can prepare women for labour, birth and parenting. It will also help develop a shared vision for the future of midwifery led services based on the findings. 

3,968 women from all over Wales completed the full survey and represented all age groups, ranging from first time mothers, to those who have had several births.

The survey found that women would like;

• To build relationships with knowledgeable, compassionate and kind midwives, to not only make women feel safe but enabling them to trust the information given to them;
• More information about the birthing options available to them, so that they can decide where to give birth, not health professionals;
• Improved access to classes that adequately prepare them for birth;
• To have their choices respected, wherever they give birth.

Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Professor Jean White said:

“The needs of the mother and family must be at the heart of care provision within maternity services in Wales, to ensure that pregnancy and childbirth is a safe and positive experience, where women feel comfortable and confident in their decisions. 

“This survey is a step towards developing and strengthening this important relationship between midwife and mother.”

Vaughan Gething, Cabinet Secretary for Health Well-Being and Sport said:

“Pregnancy and childbirth are very personal experiences; therefore it’s important that women are given the opportunity to feedback on the care and advice they received during that time.

“I’m confident that the results of the ‘Your Birth We Care’ survey announced today will take maternity services in Wales to the next level, ensuring women and families feel empowered to make informed decisions about their antenatal care and birth plans during this time.”