In this study, the management methods practiced in birth centers, how to use space and their assessment by participant mothers are analyzed through case studies. The aim was to investigate the factors that guide regional mothers to participate in birth centers’childcare support programs.
A public and a private birth center (Birth Centers E and F, respectively), where mothers who gave birth elsewhere received childcare support, were examined. Birth Center E was established in 1963 as a public birth center, whereas Birth Center F was established in 2002 as a private birth center, comprising two beds.
The survey was conducted by collecting drawings and activity-guide material as well as questionnaires and interviews with mothers. The questionnaire handed out was answered by 27 (Birth Center E) and 12 (Birth Center F) mothers, respectively. Interviews were conducted with mothers of five (Birth Center E) and four (Birth Center F) children, respectively.
Yoga and meetings were held at Birth Center E, and programs, which continued before and after childbirth, were prepared. Additionally, the same person served as an instructor before and after childbirth. A foot-training course and baby massage were held at Birth Center F, whereas an exchange meeting was held at a nearby community center.
59.3% at Birth Center E and 91.7% at Birth Center F of the participants were mothers who gave birth elsewhere. The living area of the participants at Birth Center E was small. At Birth Center F, mothers who gave birth elsewhere were invited by a midwife to visit a newborn baby.
The data collected from nine interviewing participants were classified into 12 categories; these were further divided into four groups. In the first group, mothers evaluated the facilities and operations of birth centers, such as easy access and a good familiar atmosphere with the use of a dual-purpose room, regardless of where they gave birth. In the second group, mothers who gave birth at the birth centers reported that they were provided with support at the time of delivery, which established a connection. In the third group, mothers who gave birth elsewhere appreciated their midwives’expertise and free exchange. Finally, in the fourth group, mothers who gave birth elsewhere expressed their opinion to reconsider the place they gave birth.
In conclusion, the following factors are considered important for the participation of regional mothers in childcare support at birth centers:
The following three factors are considered relevant to mothers living in the region: 1) Transmission of reliable information. 2) Continuation of prenatal and postnatal programs. 3) Potential support from the midwives’expertise.
The following three factors are common to both regional mothers and mothers who gave birth at birth centers: 1) Easy participation in activity places. 2) Free interaction with parents and children. 3) Activity programs that meet mothers’ needs.
