Amazon Women's Motivations to Choose Planned Home Childbirth

Abstract

Objective: to understand the meanings attributed by Amazon women regarding their motivation grounds to choose planned home childbirth. Method: a research study of a qualitative nature. The study data collection tool consisted of semi-structured interviews with 20 Amazon women who underwent home childbirths between November 2021 and March 2022, through the Snowball Sampling recruitment technique. After data collection, the interviews followed the content analysis criteria. Results: it was observed that qualified information, support networks and groups produce motivation and a feeling for home childbirth, which contribute to breaking away from the hegemonic model in Obstetrics and, thus, to refusing unnecessary interventions resulting from the established medical knowledge that oftentimes culminates in obstetric violence. Safety also emerged as a central factor to experience home childbirth, such as feelings of freedom, courage and empowerment about their choices and wishes. Conclusion: there is convergence with the current demands on positive care regarding respect for women's choice, which, through support and information, are central aspects to ensure assistance according to Amazon women's expectations, in order to break away from the hegemonic model in obstetric care, as home childbirth effectively guarantees their will, which must be heard and respected.