Abstract:
This study explores the experiences of primiparous women on the
path to planning the homebirth of their first child. There are many
challenges along the way and although there are many supports,
society does not generally view homebirth as a safe option. This
study highlights the themes emerging about the relative ease or disease
of the journey. Was the experience smooth sailing on an
undulating ocean or a testing trek along a rocky road?
There is a vast body of evidence about homebirth, with much of the
quantitative literature being outcome focussed and most of the
qualitative literature exploring women's experience of the
homebirth-day. Birthing at home has been linked with increased
maternal satisfaction compared with other birth venues and
correlates with a feeling of maintaining power and control during
the birth process. Homebirth has also been shown to have similar
rates of intrapartum and neonatal mortality, as well as lower
maternal intervention rates, in low risk populations.
This study principally investigates the experience of Pakeha New
Zealand women on their way to planning a homebirth for their first
baby. The findings of this narrative inquiry include that women
make the journey to becoming a homebirther both before
pregnancy and during pregnancy, and that they need good support
and information. Hearing positive homebirth stories, having a
midwife who professes a preference for homebirth, and having
access to homebirth resources play integral roles in becoming a
homebirther.
