Fear of Birth and Childbirth Preferences in BIPOC Women Prior to Childbirth Education

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to examine a free tailored childbirth education (CBE) program’s impact on fear of childbirth and birth preferences in Black, Indigenous, and people of color women. Expectant mothers (N= 8) completed an investigator-designed questionnaire before attending a prenatal community-based CBE program. Post-CBE surveys were not analyzed due to participant data not matching the pre-CBE surveys. Survey results revealed that participants were highly educated and had low levels of fear. Qualitative data revealed common concerns including pain, wishes not being met, desire for a natural birth, and hope for healthy outcomes. Future research is needed to provide evidence that a free culturally matched CBE program is beneficial in high-risk perinatal populations.