The Experience of Perinatal Care at a Birthing Center: A Qualitative Pilot Study

Author: Pewitt, Amber T.

Source: Journal of Perinatal Education, Volume 17, Number 3, Summer 2008 , pp. 42-50(9)

Publisher: Lamaze International

Free trial available!

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive pilot study was to describe women's experiences of care and satisfaction at a freestanding birth center. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with seven women who had given birth within 12 months of participant selection. Using qualitative content analysis, three themes emerged: (1) Empowerment, (2) Sense of Motherhood, and (3) Establishing and Strengthening Relationships. Data revealed that women value caring providers, that caring providers may affect positive outcomes, and that those outcomes may lead to a satisfactory experience.

Keywords: birth center; birth satisfaction; natural birth; nurse-midwives; qualitative

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1624/105812408X329593

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$18.00 plus tax Refund Policy