Alive & Thrive Vietnam Birthing Experience Survey

The Birthing Experience Survey, facilitated by the Alive & Thrive initiative, plays a crucial role in the external monitoring system designed to uphold and enhance the quality of care in partnering hospitals across Vietnam. This survey specifically supports the Centers of Excellence for Breastfeeding (COE) by collecting detailed feedback from mothers post-discharge. It is instrumental in evaluating hospital adherence to established COE criteria which are vital for promoting early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their newborns. Mothers participate in the survey through telephone consultations, where they have the opportunity to voice their experiences—both concerns and positive feedback. This direct input is critical for continuous improvement and helps hospitals not only assess their own performance but also compare it with peer institutions. The survey also leverages social media platforms to enhance transparency and educate women about their rights to quality care, thus fostering a community-driven push for higher standards in maternal and newborn healthcare. Purpose, Nature, and Scope: This survey was conducted to assess post-discharge breastfeeding practices and newborn care among mothers in Vietnam. The aim is to identify areas for improvement in hospital practices related to newborn care and maternal support. Study Objectives and/or Research Questions: To evaluate the effectiveness of current hospital breastfeeding and newborn care practices and to determine the impact of these practices on the long-term health and well-being of mothers and their infants.