Rooming-in, breastfeeding and mothers' satisfaction in an Italian nursery

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study performed at the Istituto per l'Infanzia of Trieste, Italy, with the aim of exploring mothers' views about rooming-in, nursery organization, and the quality of care delivered to them and to their babies. Data were collected by means of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Out of 68 questionnaires distributed, 54 were received back (response rate: 79.4%). Most women were happy about the degree of rooming-in offered by the hospital, although difficulty of resting, problems with baby's management and interpretation of his/her crying were reported. A high level of satisfaction was also expressed concerning medical care and the relationship with pediatricians, while satisfaction with nursing care and the assistance received about breastfeeding appeared to be consistently lower.