Multiple case study exploring the impact of visitor restrictions in hospitals on childbirth support during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract Objective Childbirth is a life‐changing experience for new mothers, birth partners, and families. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic restricted labouring mothers' access to support in hospitals through visitor restrictions. goal of this research was describe childbirth during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods A qualitative study using multiple case design describes from perspectives mother, partner, obstetric hospital staff, including doulas, nurses, providers. setting large metropolitan area South Texas. Sixteen participants were interviewed, four three Results Themes that emerged data include: under spotlight, unmet expectations, discovering serenity, quality support. Conclusion During pandemic, mothers partners experienced fewer distractions, better communication with had opportunities bond newborn labour after birth, but did report missing presence their family friends. Doulas, providers found they able provide safer care partners.