Parity

Mothers with parity two or three were more likely to practice ENC than first-time mothers. Epidural analgesia experience was significantly associated with increased intention to have a second child among women with one child. Among women with one child, epidural analgesia experience was associated with a 23.8% increase in fertility intention. Most study participants had given birth at least twice: 41.7% reported two births and 24.6% reported four or more births. Among women with two children, epidural analgesia was not significantly associated with fertility intention. Prior childbirth experience may increase familiarity, confidence, contact with health services, exposure to counselling, and practical newborn care skills. The stronger association among women with one child may reflect differences between first-time and repeat childbirth experiences.