Women on the move: A search for preferred birth services

Publication date: Available online 12 October 2018

Source: Women and Birth

Author(s): Alena Pařízková, Jette Aaroe Clausen

Abstract

Background

Women and midwives travel long distances, or abroad, to receive or provide birth services. Travel for birth services is not represented in the existing literature, despite the wide scale research available on medical travel.

Aim

We explored the perspectives of women who were seeking better services outside their places of residence and midwives who travel to provide these services.

Method

We followed a qualitative descriptive approach. We conducted 13 qualitative interviews with women from various European countries, four travelling midwives and one activist. Principles of thematic analysis were used.

Findings

Deciding whether to travel is the result of a long-term process, influenced by various push and pull factors. Travelling women and midwives share values; they trust the capacity of women to give birth; they value respect and equality in communication; they search for trusting relationships and friendly environments without unnecessary treatments. Trust and distrust on interpersonal and institutional levels influence women's decisions and frame narratives about their experiences.

Conclusion

To a great extent, travelling women and midwives share the values embedded in the midwifery model of care. Women and midwives are willing to take matters into their own hands to achieve their expected birth experiences.

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