Scoping review suggests that reasons for choosing unassisted birth ('freebirth) vary depending on income, previous negative health care experiences and personal and cultural beliefs

Commentary on: Shorey S, Jarašiūnaite-Fedosejeva G, Akik BK, Holopainen A, Isbir GG, Chua JS, Wayt C, Downe S, Lalor J. Trends and motivations for freebirth: A scoping review. Birth. 2023 Mar;50(1):16-31. doi: 10.1111/birt.12702. Epub 2023 Jan 4.Commentary Implications for practice and research Providing maternity care that is trauma informed, respectful, supportive and promotes patient autonomy, agency and cultural beliefs may encourage lower rates of freebirth. More research is needed to articulate motivations for freebirth among diverse populations and translate trauma informed and respectful maternity care principles across systems and service providers. Context Unassisted childbirth (outside a hospital facility with no professional attendant) is common in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where barriers to access and poverty delimit engagement in maternity healthcare services. However, even in high-income countries (HICs) where maternity healthcare services are more attainable, a small percentage of birthing people are choosing unassisted birth, a...
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Women's Health and Midwifery Source Type: research