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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Homebirth outcomes and postnatal experiences in Canterbury, New Zealand: A mixed methods study
1
NZ College of Midwives, Midwifery Advisor, Christchurch, New Zealand
2
Otago Polytechnic, School of Midwifery, Dunedin, New Zealand
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A258
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
With rising global interest in humanised, continuity-based models of care, homebirth offers a unique lens through which to examine the impact of midwifery-led care on maternal and neonatal outcomes. In New Zealand planned homebirth is a well-integrated and supported option. The HOPE study offered a unique opportunity to explore outcomes and postnatal experiences among women who birthed at home with a known midwife.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the impact of midwifery continuity of care on maternal and neonatal outcomes, breastfeeding, and postnatal experiences following planned homebirths in New Zealand.
METHODS:
A mixed methods design was used. Quantitative data from 90 homebirths were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were collected via focus groups and thematically analysed using a critical realist lens. Ethics approval was provided by the Otago Polytechnic Research Ethics Committee (OPREC 80). No conflicts of interest are declared.
RESULTS:
Continuity of midwifery care was highly valued and was a key factor in building maternal confidence and trust. There was a high rate of physiological birth, and low rates of postpartum haemorrhage >1000 mls (3%) and 3rd degree perineal tearing (1%). Babies born at home experienced a mean of 127 minutes of skin-to-skin after birth. 42% of babies did not lose weight in the first week, and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge from midwifery care (typically 6 weeks postbirth) was 95%. The midwifery continuity relationship fostered empowerment for mothers and trust in normal physiological birth and breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwifery continuity of care for homebirth supports positive outcomes and experiences in relation to birth, breastfeeding, and neonatal weight change.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwifery continuity of care facilitates positive homebirth, postnatal, and breastfeeding outcomes and experiences, and healthy mothers and babies can thrive instinctively outside of institutional care settings. Support for midwifery-led models of care is vital in improving maternity outcomes and experiences globally. Place of birth - homebirth (including three-minute presentation competition)
With rising global interest in humanised, continuity-based models of care, homebirth offers a unique lens through which to examine the impact of midwifery-led care on maternal and neonatal outcomes. In New Zealand planned homebirth is a well-integrated and supported option. The HOPE study offered a unique opportunity to explore outcomes and postnatal experiences among women who birthed at home with a known midwife.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the impact of midwifery continuity of care on maternal and neonatal outcomes, breastfeeding, and postnatal experiences following planned homebirths in New Zealand.
METHODS:
A mixed methods design was used. Quantitative data from 90 homebirths were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were collected via focus groups and thematically analysed using a critical realist lens. Ethics approval was provided by the Otago Polytechnic Research Ethics Committee (OPREC 80). No conflicts of interest are declared.
RESULTS:
Continuity of midwifery care was highly valued and was a key factor in building maternal confidence and trust. There was a high rate of physiological birth, and low rates of postpartum haemorrhage >1000 mls (3%) and 3rd degree perineal tearing (1%). Babies born at home experienced a mean of 127 minutes of skin-to-skin after birth. 42% of babies did not lose weight in the first week, and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge from midwifery care (typically 6 weeks postbirth) was 95%. The midwifery continuity relationship fostered empowerment for mothers and trust in normal physiological birth and breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwifery continuity of care for homebirth supports positive outcomes and experiences in relation to birth, breastfeeding, and neonatal weight change.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwifery continuity of care facilitates positive homebirth, postnatal, and breastfeeding outcomes and experiences, and healthy mothers and babies can thrive instinctively outside of institutional care settings. Support for midwifery-led models of care is vital in improving maternity outcomes and experiences globally. Place of birth - homebirth (including three-minute presentation competition)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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