A focus group exploration of women’s and maternity care providers’ experiences of planned home birth in Northern Ireland

Most women want to plan their home birth supported by maternity care providers but little is known on this topic in the Northern Ireland context.<br/><br/>Aim<br/>The study aimed to explore women and maternity care providers’ experiences and perceptions of home birth service provision in Northern Ireland.<br/><br/>Methods<br/>Five separate focus groups were held with women who self-reported having planned home birth in Northern Ireland since November 2018 or who were interested in homebirth services, and maternity care providers who self-reported that they managed or provided home birth services or had an interest in the provision of home birth services in Northern Ireland, via a secure online platform. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.<br/><br/>Results<br/>Thirteen women aged 20-45+ and eight maternity care providers participated in the focus groups. Data analysis yielded four descriptive themes: (i) individual factors affecting home birth provision and access (ii) the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on home birth provision and access (iii) woman-maternity care provider relationship and interactions and (iv) addressing structural and systemic issues in maternity care provision. Whilst it may not always be practicable for maternity care providers to meet women’s request for a home birth, there is a need for trustful, unbiased and open woman-provider communication which acknowledges women’s preferences and facilitates shared decision-making in their choice of birthplace. <br/><br/>Conclusion<br/>There is need for accessible evidence-based information on birthplace options that meet the needs of women, their families and maternity care providers in Northern Ireland.