title: Why won't Polish women birth at home?
abstract: Polish women living in the United Kingdom (UK) are statistically more likely to have normal births than their British counterparts, yet anecdotally, do not choose to birth their babies at home. A medicalised approach to birth in their country of origin means women are unaware of the benefits of midwifery-led care, which they often perceive as sub-standard. Affordable travel means Polish women can access care in both countries and compounds the difficulties in acclimatising to UK maternity services. Online discussion groups and Internet forums represent an opportunity for midwives to engage with women to promote their services. This is increasingly important with rising numbers of both Polish migrants to the UK and Polish residents applying for British citizenship.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pendleton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006700:Home Childbirth / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008880:Midwifery / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009321:Natural Childbirth / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011044:Poland; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult