Table 3 Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results

 1

Labour and birth went as I had expected

0.6122

 2

I felt strong during labour and birth

0.5175

 4

I felt capable during labour and birth

0.5726

 5^ab

I was tired during labour and birth

0.0849

 6

I felt happy during labour and birth

0.8089

 7

I felt that I handled the situation well

0.8918

 20^abc

As a whole, how painful did you feel childbirth was?

-0.021

 21^c

As a whole, how much control did you feel you had during childbirth?

0.4189

Variance

59.8%

 10

Both my partner and I were treated with warmth and respect

0.7738

 11

Received the information I needed during labour and birth

0.8082

 16

My impression of the team’s medical skills made me feel secure

0.5131

 8^ab

I wish the staff had listened to me more during labour and birth

0.0194

 9^b

I took part in decisions regarding my care and treatment as much as I wanted

0.3498

Variance

22.7%

 3^ab

I felt scared during labour and birth

0.3575

 17^b

I have many positive memories from childbirth

0.3864

 18^a

I have many negative memories from childbirth

0.8586

 19^a

Some of my memories from childbirth make me feel depressed

0.7857

 22^bc

As a whole, how secure did you feel during childbirth?

0.2785

Variance

9.64%

 12^a

I would have preferred the midwife to be more present during labour and birth

0.6830

 13^a

I would have preferred more encouragement from the midwife

0.8478

 14^b

The midwife conveyed an atmosphere of calm

-0.2642

 15^b

The midwife helped me to find my inner strength

-0.2342

Variance

7.8%