Mothers' birth care experiences in a Brazilian birth centre.
OBJECTIVE
to explore the reasons why women with previous hospital experience seek care at a birth centre, and their perceptions related to the care received in both settings.


METHODS
in-depth interviews focusing on the care experiences of 18 women who received birth care in a birth centre of the Brazilian public health system.


RESULTS
three key themes emerged from the analysis: 'Confrontation with strong problems in the hospital setting', 'Reasons to seek the birth centre' and 'Satisfaction related to birth centre care'. The main aspects that the mothers mentioned in the first and third themes were related to the institutional structure and system of care.


CONCLUSIONS
mothers' narratives suggested that their previous experience of problems in the hospital setting was the main motive for seeking care at the birth centre. The most important components of birth care were attention, meeting personal care demands and establishment of an adequate interpersonal relationship. More sensitive birthing care in the hospital setting is necessary, and this can be promoted through continuing professional education.
Jamas
Milena T
MT
School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Hoga
Luiza A K
LA
Tanaka
Ana C A
AC
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016550:Birthing Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001938:Brazil; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003696:Delivery Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult