A Swedish interview study: parents' assessment of risks in home births.
OBJECTIVE
to describe home-birth risk assessment by parents.


METHODS
interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using a phenomenological approach.


METHODS
independent midwifery practices in Sweden.


METHODS
five couples who had had planned home births.


RESULTS
the parents had a fundamental trust that the birth would take place without complications, and they experienced meaningfulness in the event itself. Risks were considered to be part of a complex phenomenon that was not limited to births at home. This attitude seems to be part of a lifestyle that has a bearing on how risks experienced during the birth were handled. Five categories were identified as counterbalancing the risk of possible complications: (1) trust in the woman's ability to give birth; (2) trust in intuition; (3) confidence in the midwife; (4) confidence in the relationship; and (5) physical and intellectual preparation.


CONCLUSIONS
although the parents were conscious of the risk of complications during childbirth, a fundamental trust in the woman's independent ability to give birth was central to the decision to choose a home birth. Importance was attached to the expected positive effects of having the birth at home.


CONCLUSIONS
knowledge of parents' assessment can promote an increased understanding of how parents-to-be experience the risks associated with home birth.
Lindgren
Helena
H
Department of Caring and Public Health Sciences, Mälardalen University, Box 325, S-63105 Eskilstuna, Sweden. helena.lindgren@mdh.se
Hildingsson
Ingegerd
I
Rådestad
Ingela
I
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006700:Home Childbirth / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods; D033262:Narration; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden