Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng KLC(1)(2), Cheuk KF(1)(3), Yung SS(1)(4), Wong YS(1)(4), Tsoi KY (1)(3), Lau PY (1)(4), Chan HT(1)(2), Chau JOY(1)(4), Wong PY(1)(4)
Affiliation :
(1) School of Midwifery, Prince of Wales Hospital, (2) Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Margaret Hospital, (3) Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, (4) Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital
Introduction :
As all Hospital Authority (HA) hospitals in Hong Kong are designated as Baby-Friendly Hospitals, protocols have been developed in line with the practices promoted by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) recommended by the WHO and UNICEF. Rooming-in, which is Step 7 of the Initiative, is an evidence-based practice to enhance maternal-infant bonding and support breastfeeding. Despite its benefits, the implementation of this practice faces ongoing challenges in various healthcare organizations, particularly due to maternal reluctance during the early postpartum stage, as noted in other overseas studies. While Hong Kong public hospitals have fully adopted 24-hour rooming-in, the perceptions and experiences of mothers regarding this practice have not been thoroughly explored.
Objectives :
Recognizing that client preference is a vital component of evidence-based practice, this study aims to explore mothers' perceptions and experiences of 'rooming-in' in public hospitals in Hong Kong, as well as to identify the factors influencing their satisfaction with the current practice.
Methodology :
A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews with mothers who experienced rooming-in. Participants were recruited from three public hospitals in Hong Kong: Princess Margaret Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, and Kwong Wah Hospital. The target population for both parts of the study included mothers aged 20 to 45 who had delivered a live birth in these public hospitals and practiced rooming-in for a minimum of 24 hours in the postnatal wards. Data were analyzed to identify key themes and variations in mothers' experiences with rooming-in.
Result & Outcome :
The findings indicated that many mothers valued rooming-in for its role in enhancing breastfeeding and building confidence in infant care; however, first-time mothers and those who experienced operative deliveries reported more negative experiences. Key factors influencing these experiences included maternal expectations during the antenatal period and the availability of support during hospitalization. While the full implementation of rooming-in was appreciated among mothers in Hong Kong, the challenges faced by first-time and operative delivery mothers highlight the need for tailored support. The study suggests that incorporating client preferences into midwifery practice could enhance service satisfaction. To better balance maternal and infant well-being within the 'baby-friendly' rooming-in approach, recommendations include providing proactive support to mothers, implementing family-centered care in postnatal wards, and offering customized education and counseling during antenatal care. These improvements aim to foster a positive rooming-in experience, ultimately creating a supportive ‘mother-and-baby-friendly’ hospital environment that promotes the well-being of both mothers and infants in Hong Kong.
