Fördjupad hälsa – kvinnors upplevelse av att planera och föda sitt barn hemma

• In Finland, 12 planned and 81 unplanned homebirths took place according to the official Health Statistics 2012. In a Nordic neighbor country, Sweden, like in many high-income countries almost all women give birth at hospital, and only about 100–200 women each year choose to plan and give birth at home. It is a controversial decision because it is often associated with risks, and not supported by the public health care system. The aim of this study was to describe Swedish women’s experience of planning and giving birth at home. Ten women who have had between one to three homebirths were interviewed. The data were analyzed with a phenomenological hermeneutical method. Five themes were identified, and an overall interpretation was discussed in relation to an ontological theory of health. Findings show that women who choose homebirth are aware of their needs and have the strength to go through with their decision in spite of resistance. Childbirth at home was for the women an opportunity for enrichment and health, and a new experience of wholeness as a person.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Home birth

qualitative study

experience

childbirth

health

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)