Compassion in Childbirth: Transforming Maternal and Neonatal Care Respectful maternity care and its impact on Maternal and neonatal outcomes
Keywords:
Respectful Maternity Care (RMC), Maternal Health, Neonatal Outcomes, Quality of Care, Maternal, Neonatal Well-beingAbstract
Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is gaining wider recognition as an essential human right and a critical component of high-quality maternal healthcare. Even with improvements in obstetric care, disrespect and abuse during childbirth continue widely, negatively influencing women’s health-seeking actions and overall well-being. This narrative review consolidates evidence emphasizing the value of respectful maternity care and its effects on maternal outcomes. A review of literature from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar reveals that respectful maternity care defined by dignity, privacy, autonomy, and compassionate communication leads to higher maternal satisfaction, more facility-based deliveries, lower levels of anxiety and postpartum trauma, and improved clinical outcomes. Barriers to implementation include heavy provider workloads, insufficient training, and weak policy enforcement. Obstetric and gynaecological nurses are essential in putting RMC principles into practice by fostering compassionate communication, ensuring informed consent, and standing up for patients’ rights. Incorporating RMC into nursing education, institutional procedures, and health policies is crucial for fostering positive childbirth experiences and enhancing maternal outcomes.
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