Supportive Care During Childbirth in Syrian Migrant Women

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of structured supportive midwifery care provided during labor on childbirth satisfaction, breastfeeding success, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and perceived stress among Syrian migrant women. A total of 100 eligible women admitted to the delivery unit of Yuregir State Hospital in Adana, Türkiye, will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group. Women in the intervention group will receive structured supportive midwifery care in addition to routine hospital care, whereas women in the control group will receive routine maternity care. The supportive care intervention will include physical support, emotional support, informational and communication support, and advocacy throughout labor. Outcomes will be assessed using validated measurement tools during the childbirth and early postpartum periods.

This study is designed as a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. The study population will consist of Syrian migrant women admitted in active labor to the Delivery Unit of Yuregir State Hospital in Adana, Türkiye, who meet the eligibility criteria and provide written informed consent. A total of 100 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (n=50) or control group (n=50). A variable block randomization procedure using block sizes of 4 and 6 will be used. Allocation concealment will be maintained using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive structured supportive midwifery care provided by the researcher midwife throughout labor in addition to routine hospital care. The intervention consists of four main components: physical support, emotional support, informational and communication support, and advocacy. Physical support includes measures such as mobilization, position changes, breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, sacral pressure, touch, and other comfort measures according to the woman's needs. Emotional support includes continuous presence, reassurance, encouragement, empathetic communication, and respect for privacy. Informational support includes explanations about the labor process, procedures, breathing and pushing techniques, and early postpartum and breastfeeding education. Advocacy focuses on supporting women's preferences, participation in decision-making, privacy, and communication with healthcare professionals. Participants assigned to the control group will receive the routine labor and postpartum care provided by the hospital without the additional structured supportive care intervention delivered by the researcher. Study outcomes include childbirth satisfaction, breastfeeding success assessed using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, postpartum breastfeeding self-efficacy, and perceived stress. Data will be collected at predefined time points from the beginning of labor through the first 24 hours postpartum.