The Experience of Perinatal Care at a Birthing Center: A Qualitative Pilot Study

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive pilot study was to describe women's experiences of care and satisfaction at a freestanding birth center. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with seven women who had given birth within 12 months of participant selection. Using qualitative content analysis, three themes emerged: (1) Empowerment, (2) Sense of Motherhood, and (3) Establishing and Strengthening Relationships. Data revealed that women value caring providers, that caring providers may affect positive outcomes, and that those outcomes may lead to a satisfactory experience.