The effect of continuous intrapartum supportive care on maternal mental health: a randomized controlled trial.

Supportive care during labor is the primary role of intrapartum nurses and midwives and provides comfort for women allowing them to have a positive experience. It is argued that supportive care during labor reduces fear and resultant side effects. However, evidence for different parameters of mental health is insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous intrapartum supportive care on the fear of childbirth, perceived control and support at birth, birth trauma and maternal attachment. This is a randomized controlled study with an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group included 40 women receiving continuous intrapartum supportive care and the control group included 40 women receiving routine care. Thirty women in the intervention group and 29 women in the control group completed the study. No significant differences were detected between the two groups at baseline (