Quality of Midwifery Care and Maternal Satisfaction: An Evidence-Based Review of Clinical, Ethical, and System-Level Determinants

Quality of midwifery care is a fundamental component of maternal health services and a key determinant of maternal satisfaction during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Maternal satisfaction is increasingly recognized as a critical indicator of healthcare quality, reflecting not only clinical outcomes but also women’s experiences, expectations, and perceptions of care. High-quality midwifery care has been associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, increased utilization of maternal health services, and enhanced trust in healthcare systems.This narrative review aims to examine the relationship between the quality of midwifery care and maternal satisfaction, with a particular focus on clinical competence, communication, continuity of care, ethical practice, and health system factors. A comprehensive review of international literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. The findings demonstrate that respectful, woman-centered, and evidence-based midwifery care significantly enhances maternal satisfaction across diverse cultural and healthcare settings. Moreover, midwives play a pivotal role in promoting autonomy, emotional well-being, and informed decision-making. Strengthening the quality of midwifery care is essential for improving maternal experiences and achieving global maternal health goals.

کلیدواژه ها:

Midwifery Care ، Quality of Care ، Maternal Satisfaction ، Woman-Centered Care ، Maternal Health ، Evidence-Based Practice.