ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore women's experience of freebirth, as giving birth without the presence of a skilled healthcare professional such as a midwife. METHODS: Online semi-structured interviews with nine multiparous women in Sweden. A qualitative experiential approach, as described by Burnard, was followed for data analysis. RESULTS: The five main categories explored were: (i) previous negative experiences of hospital care as a reason for freebirth; (ii) receiving support for the decision of freebirth was crucial; (iii) longing for individual midwifery-assisted home-birthing support; (iv) to give birth in peace and in self-control, in the safe home environment; and (v) helpful support during labor and birth was appreciated. CONCLUSIONS: The women in the study had a powerful and positive experience of freebirth, but individual midwifery birthing support was also requested. Easily available and respectful midwifery support should be offered to all childbearing women.
