Reyhan Aydin Dogan - Karabuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Karabuk, Turkey
Vilda Unlü - Giresun Şebinkarahisar State Hospital, Giresun, Turkey
Aysun Selvi - Private Senev Health Cabinet, Konya, Turkey
Şenay Yazici - Private Senev Health Cabinet, Konya, Turkey

Background: Although there are very few studies in the literature, out-of-hospital deliveries are increasing in Turkey. Our aim was to examine trends in out-of-hospital deliveries, the risk profile of these deliveries, differences in women’s access to these deliveries, and delivery outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included ۲۱۵ women and was conducted retrospectively in a rural setting in Turkey between ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۱. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the authors. The questionnaire included demographic information, obstetric background, and reasons for giving birth at home, as well as data on who encouraged the decision to give birth at home and who helped with home births. Results: In the study, the delivery time of mothers was found to be ۵.۹۹ hours, which is shorter than the average delivery time in the literature. It was observed that ۸۷% of the mothers did not undergo episiotomy, and none of them experienced the need for induction at birth. It was determined that ۴۹.۸% of the mothers gave birth in the position they wanted and chose to give birth in bed. It was observed that ۹۹.۱% of the mothers did not experience complications at birth. Conclusion: Overall, midwife-managed births met the mothers’ expectations of privacy, a safe environment, social support, and uninterrupted birth. More importantly, there were no complications in midwife-led deliveries, and midwifery care was given in line with evidence-based practices.

Birthplace Setting, Home births, Home childbirth, Delivery of health care, Non-clinical distribution