title: Women's experiences of planning a vaginal breech birth in Australia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In many countries, planned vaginal breech birth (VBB) is a rare event. After the Term Breech Trial in 2000, VBB reduced and caesarean section for breech presentation increased. Despite this, women still request VBB. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and decision-making processes of women who had sought a VBB.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study using descriptive exploratory design was undertaken. Twenty-two (n = 22) women who planned a VBB, regardless of eventual mode of birth were recruited. The women had given birth at one of two maternity hospitals in Australia that supported VBB. In-depth, semi-structured interviews using an interview guide were conducted. Interviews were analysed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty two women were interviewed; three quarters were primiparous (n = 16; 73%). Nine (41%) were already attending a hospital that supported VBB with the remaining women moving hospitals. All women actively sought a vaginal breech birth because the baby remained breech after an external cephalic version - 12 had a vaginal birth (55%) and 10 (45%) a caesarean section after labour commenced. There were four main themes: Reacting to a loss of choice and control, Wanting information that was trustworthy, Fighting the system and seeking support for VBB and The importance of 'having a go' at VBB.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women seeking a VBB value clear, consistent and relevant information in deciding about mode of birth. Women desire autonomy to choose vaginal breech birth and to be supported in their choice with high quality care.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Sydney, Australia. caroline.homer@uts.edu.au.
authors.forename: Caroline Se
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Homer
authors.affiliation: Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Sydney, Australia. Nicole.Watts@uts.edu.au.
authors.forename: Nicole P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Watts
authors.affiliation: Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Sydney, Australia. Karolina.Petrovska@student.uts.edu.au.
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Petrovska
authors.affiliation: Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Sydney, Australia. Chauncey.Sjostedt@uts.edu.au.
authors.forename: Chauncey M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sjostedt
authors.affiliation: Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Sydney, Australia. Andrew.Bisits@SESIAHS.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU.|Royal Hospital for Women, Barker St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Andrew.Bisits@SESIAHS.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bisits
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001946:Breech Presentation / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014710:Version, Fetal / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology