Women's Decision-Making And Factors Affecting Their Choice Of ...

When asked about where they think is the best place to have a baby, 77%
of women planning a home birth and 90% of those planning a hospital birth said
that for a first baby it is better to go to hospital as one does not know what to
expect. This might explain why there was only one woman expecting a first baby
who was planning a home birth. At the time of the study there was no other first
time mother planning a home birth.
The results of the investigation are now presented in tables in the form of
themes expressed by women. It is important to note that the themes express what
women spontaneously expressed, which was then brought together by content
analysis. Table 9 lists themes according to place of delivery they refer to (i.e.
home or hospital) or just the number that mentioned the theme. For example,
looking at the theme comfortable/relaxed, the numbers indicate that 1 woman felt
the hospital was comfortable and/or relaxed while 10 felt that way about the
home. Numbers under themes convenient, emergencies attended faster, partner
against, and safety indicate the number who felt that way about the venue.
However, for the themes first baby best in hospital, good experience/easy birth,
influence of others, information from others and reading, no pain relief partner
involved in choice, pregnancy complications, process uncertain, short labour and
supportive midwife, the numbers indicate the number in each venue who
mentioned the theme (see Table 9).
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