Table 2 Summary of recommendations made by perinatal women

Recommendation #1: A humanized care model is important, in a medical system that de-humanizes. Perinatal women recommended that health providers call women by their names. Also, medical staff that is helpful, responsive, attentive, and supportive

Recommendation #2: Perinatal women recommended that care providers acknowledge and validate their experiences. It is imperative that medical providers apply the appropriate emotions in circumstances that may be difficult for the patients

Recommendation #3: Perinatal women indicate that partners should be included in appointments and adequately informed of the experiences and changes that occur in the perinatal period. Partners should be taught to recognize and watch out for psychological and physical symptoms that must be addressed with health professionals

Recommendation #4: It is important that medical professional recognize and acknowledge that certain medical examinations may be distressing to women who experienced trauma. It is imperative that medical policies consider the need for a support person to accompany the patient while an uncomfortable examination is taking place

Recommendation #5: There is a need for trauma-informed medical care that respects women’s rights. Women expressed that medical care providers must indicate initial point of contact by verbally communicating that the exam will begin followed by physical touch to the knee prior to performing the exam can be helpful when working with patients who have experienced trauma. With regards to improvements that can be made to facilitate a positive experience while seeking medical services, perinatal women spoke about the importance of a trauma-informed approach to medical care. It is also recommended that awareness about trauma is incorporated into learning

Recommendation #6: Access to private rooms was a central topic discussed by many women as in the case of pregnancy loss or complications in childbirth. It is important to consider the specific needs of women who have experienced a traumatic event to not further distress these women

Recommendation #7: As explained by a perinatal woman “Moms Need to be Checked on More.” There is a need for more support for those who experienced pregnancy or neonatal loss. Follow-up care is needed from health professionals for women who experience pregnancy loss as there are many psychological and physical issues that may accompany this type of loss (e.g., “overwhelming sadness”, breast milk may come in days after a late-term pregnancy loss). Additionally, there is a need for support programs and services that address issues perinatal women may experience such as with breast-feeding. Further, health professionals should listen to the issues perinatal women are experiencing and work with them to come up with appropriate next steps (e.g., referrals to specialists)

Recommendation #8: Perinatal women suggest that improvements can be made in accessing psychological services including increasing the availability of counselling services that are easily accessible, particularly, easier access in rural areas while also reducing the cost and a ‘what to expect’ guide for important areas to cover during your first psychological appointment

Recommendation #9: For women expressing distressing psychological or emotional issues, the use of a checklist may be helpful as opposed to an open-ended detailed questionnaire when determining if further attention is needed from a psychological professional. Additionally, it is critical that medical providers consider all aspects of health with their patients. Psychological health is an important component of health that should be addressed