Women's decision-making about birthplace choices: Booking for birth centre, hospital or home birth in the North of England

Lambert, Carol; Jomeen, Julie; McSherry, Wilf

Abstract

Aim This paper presents findings from an Interpretive Phenomenological study that illuminates unique characteristics of the different social representations of antenatal primigravida and multigravida women who book to birth their babies in a birth centre, hospital, or at home. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 women and analysed by interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings Analysis revealed different social representations independent of each other, that illustrate how these social groups, determined by women's collective voices, are uniquely characterised by group views, beliefs, misinterpretations and preconceptions and establishes what influences women in decision-making about choice of birthplace. Conclusion Women make decisions about what they want for themselves in this birthing experience. These decisions are made long before this impending experience. Recognising the different social representations of women in pregnancy, reveals deeper insight into the complexities of women's decision-making about birth choices, and highlights why some women might opt for certain choices. Knowing that some women may make decisions based on little or misrepresented information, confirms midwives are best placed in their interactions with women to provide positive influences, empowering them to make decisions based upon what they want for themselves. This affirms the woman and her midwife should remain partners in the decision-making process.

Citation

Lambert, C., Jomeen, J., & McSherry, W. (2018). Women's decision-making about birthplace choices: Booking for birth centre, hospital or home birth in the North of England. International journal of childbirth, 8(2), 115-134. https://doi.org/10.1891/2156-5287.8.2.115

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Nov 1, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Deposit Date: Oct 4, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 2, 2019
• Journal: International journal of childbirth
• Print ISSN: 2156-5295
• Electronic ISSN: 2156-5295
• Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 115-134
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1891/2156-5287.8.2.115
• Keywords: Women; decision-making; birthplace choice; influence pregnancy
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1094627
• Publisher URL: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrijc/8/2/115