A feminist mixed-methods exploration of UK midwives’ attitudes and experiences on freebirth

Using emoji to explore midwives' perspectives of freebirth. (2024)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
VELO HIGUERAS, M., DOUGLAS, F. and KENNEDY, C. 2024. Using emoji to explore midwives' perspectives of freebirth. Presented at the 2024 Robert Gordon University School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice (SNMPP) postgraduate research symposium, 23 May 2024, Aberdeen, UK.

Controversial topics unearth deep-seated values about what is right or wrong. In the context of maternity care in high-income countries, freebirth - the deliberate decision to birth without professional attendance - has become one recent controversia... Read More about Using emoji to explore midwives' perspectives of freebirth..

Redefining freebirth as a self-care practice: findings from a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis. (2024)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
VELO HIGUERAS, M., DOUGLAS, F. and KENNEDY, C. 2024. Redefining freebirth as a self-care practice: findings from a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis. Presented at the 2024 Robert Gordon University School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice (SNMPP) postgraduate research symposium, 23 May 2024, Aberdeen, UK.

This poster summarises the findings of a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis on freebirth - the act of giving birth intentionally without a qualified health care professional being present. The study found 22 publications and drew themes of for... Read More about Redefining freebirth as a self-care practice: findings from a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis..

Redefining freebirth as a reproductive justice issue. (2024)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
VELO HIGUERAS, M., DOUGLAS, F. and KENNEDY, C. 2024. Redefining freebirth as a reproductive justice issue. Presented at the 2024 Virtual International Day of the Midwife conference (VIDM 2024), 4-5 May 2024, [virtual event].

Freebirth or unassisted birth is currently defined as the deliberate choice to give birth without a regulated healthcare professional in countries where maternity care is available and easily accessible. Empirical evidence on this practice is limited... Read More about Redefining freebirth as a reproductive justice issue..

Exploring women’s motivations to freebirth and their experience of maternity care: a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis. (2024)
Journal Article
VELO HIGUERAS, M., DOUGLAS, F. and KENNEDY, C. 2024. Exploring women's motivations to freebirth and their experience of maternity care: a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis. Midwifery [online], 134, article number 104022. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2024.104022

Freebirth is currently defined as the deliberate decision to give birth without a regulated healthcare professional. Previous reviews have identified factors influencing women's decision to freebirth, yet there is limited evidence on what is the care... Read More about Exploring women’s motivations to freebirth and their experience of maternity care: a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis..

How do midwives feel when women choose to freebirth? (2023)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
VELO HIGUERAS, M. 2023. How do midwives feel when women choose to freebirth? Presented at the 2023 RGU Graduate School module GSM011 poster competition, 18 August 2023, Aberdeen, UK.

Freebirth is a birth that happens intentionally without the attendance of a qualified health care professional - even when free, universal access to midwifery care is provided by public health care services. A systematic literature review on women's... Read More about How do midwives feel when women choose to freebirth?.