Abstract
Background
The practice of waterbirth is increasing worldwide and has been a feature of maternity
services in the United Kingdom for over twenty years. The body of literature surrounding
the practice focusses on maternal and neonatal outcomes comparing birth in and out
of water.
Aim
To undertake a review of qualitative studies exploring women’s experiences of waterbirth.
This understanding is pertinent when supporting women who birth in water.
Methods
A literature search was conducted in databases British Nursing Index, Cumulative Index
to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database,
Maternity and Infant Care, Medline, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts and
Web of Science, using search terms waterbirth, labour/labor, childbirth, women, mothers,
experience, perception and maternity care. Five primary research articles published
between 2003 and 2018 which explored the views of women who had birthed in water were
selected for inclusion. Using meta-ethnography, qualitative research studies were
analysed and synthesised using the method of ‘reciprocal translational analysis’ identifying
themes relating to women’s experiences of birthing in water.
Findings
Four themes were identified: women’s knowledge of waterbirth; women’s perception of
physiological birth; water, autonomy and control; and waterbirth: easing the transition.
Discussion and conclusion
Despite the paucity of qualitative studies exploring women’s experiences of waterbirth,
meta-synthesis of those that do exist suggested women identify positively with the
choice. The experience of birthing in water appears to enhance a woman’s sense of
autonomy and control during childbirth suggesting waterbirth can be an empowering
experience for women who choose it.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 25, 2019
Accepted:
November 29,
2019
Received in revised form:
November 9,
2019
Received:
August 11,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
