Beliefs and perceptions about childbirth of Utah first-time expectant fathers

This descriptive study addresses the beliefs and perceptions of first time mothers choosing home birth. The sample studied consisted of nulliparous Utah women currently receiving care from an unlicensed lay midwife and planning a home birth and primiparous women who planned a home birth after January 1, 1995, regardless of actual birth site. Scale scores from the Utah Test for the Childbearing Year of 30 subjects are reported. Qualitative data regarding their choice to birth at home are also presented. Results demonstrated that the home birth women had less fear of childbirth, less reliance upon powerful others, more active participation in childbirth care decisions, and comparable personal value about childbearing and childrearing when compared to previously studied populations. Qualitative data analysis revealed themes that were congruent with those previously cited in the literature.