Home birth experience 2: births/postnatal reflections

Abstract

This second article explores the home birth experience and the time after the birth. The women perceived their home births as being positive, this increased their confidence and led to feelings of mastery over the labour and birth. They valued the support of the midwives although their overall manner was more important than knowing them. It was recognised that partners felt able to take a more active role, while other children found it easier to adapt to their new sibling. The time after the birth was seen as a more celebratory and family event. Overall birth at home was seen as a fulfilling and empowering experience.

Why home birth? A qualitative study exploring women's decision making about place of birth in two Canadian provinces

“…Our participants emphasised autonomy of choice and concerns about hospital-acquired infections. Choice and control was not about dictating care, but about having increased involvement in decision-making and communication (Andrews, 2004;Cheyney, 2008). This speaks to the desire of some Canadian women to participate in and to be informed about their care.…”

“…A desire to feel relaxed during labour, to labour naturally with less medical intervention and with ease of movement are also key motivations (Kleiverda et al, 1990;Soderstrom et al, 1990;Davies et al, 1996;Viisainen, 2001;Andrews, 2004;Sjobolm et al, 2006;Zelek et al, 2007;Boucher et al, 2009;Kukulu and Oncel, 2009).…”

Puts the magic back into life: Fathers’ experience of planned home birth

“…15 In terms of labour and birth, women who had a home birth described their partners as having an active role at the birth. 16 Just two studies were identified which focused on father's experience of home birth. Lindgren and Erlandsson found that men followed their partner's lead in relation to the planned home birth but they valued remaining at home for the birth and being actively involved in what happened.…”