Respectful Maternity Care in the United States-Characterizing Inequities Experienced by Birthing People.

Objective:  The purpose of this study is to understand experiences of respectful maternity care (RMC) from the perspective of birthing people in the United States from 2013 to 2018.

Methods:  We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of United States birthing people ages 18-50 in April 2018 using SurveyMonkey Audience. Quantitative survey data consisted of demographics and responses to RMC indicators.

Providing support to pregnant women and new mothers through moderated WhatsApp groups: a feasibility study.

Background: Group-based health services can improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. Group antenatal care and participatory learning and action cycles (PLA) with women's groups have been cited by the WHO as health systems interventions that can lead to improvements in adherence to care and health outcomes in pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach to assess the feasibility of a light touch group-based support intervention using the WhatsApp text-messaging platform.

Striving for Respectful Maternity Care Everywhere.

Purpose The mistreatment of women during childbirth in health facilities is a growing area of research and public attention. Description In many countries, disrespect and abuse from maternal health providers discourage women from seeking childbirth with a skilled birth attendant, which can lead to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. This commentary highlights examples from three countries-Kenya, Mexico and the United States-and presents different forms of mistreatment during childbirth, which range from physical abuse to non-consented care to discriminatory practices.

Clinician attendance and delivery practices at hospital-based vaginal deliveries in Western Kenya.

Objective: To characterize delivery practices and factors associated with respectful, evidence-based care at a referral hospital in Western Kenya.

Methods: An exploratory observational study used a standardized birth-observation form to record information on patient characteristics and healthcare practitioner behaviors during uncomplicated vaginal deliveries between June 30, 2014 and July 17, 2014. All deliveries were monitored for whether healthcare staff performed six specific evidence-based practices (three maternal and three neonatal practices).