Yana Richens

'She can choose, as long as I'm happy with it': a qualitative study of expectant fathers' views of birth place.

OBJECTIVES A programme of research was undertaken to explore which factors contributed to decisions regarding birth place. As part of this programme, the views of male partners of pregnant women were examined to gain understanding of their contribution to the decision making process, with regard to different birth settings. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative interpretive approach was utilised to explore, in-depth, the views of 19 expectant fathers, in the North West of England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio recorded and transcribed, following consent. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. FINDINGS Four main themes were identified; Silent decisions, Powers of persuasion, Trust in a medical environment and Personal vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS Choice regarding place of birth is multi-dimensional. Expectant fathers are likely to contribute to their partners decision making; their motivation can relate to their own beliefs and personal vulnerability as well the need to protect the women. The overwhelming trust in the medical environment dominates partners views regarding birth place. The lack of discussion regarding birth place, between partners and with health professionals, reinforces the notion that hospital birth is safest, thus strengthening the normalization of birth in this environment. Midwives need to engage with expectant fathers to ensure that their contributions to decisions around birth place are fully informed.

Corrigendum to “Fear of birth in clinical practice: A structured review of current measurement tools” [Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare 16 (2018) 98–112]

Corrigendum to “Fear of birth in clinical practice: A structured review of current measurement tools” [Sex. Reprod. Healthcare 16 (2018) 98–112] Yana Richensa,, Debbie M. Smith, Dame Tina Lavender University College Hospital London, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, 1st Floor Antenatal Clinic, 235 Euston Road, London, United Kingdom Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom c School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, United Kingdom d Centre of Global Women’s Health, Division of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Vulvectomy and clitoridectomy: A woman's guide to FGM

An increasing number of women are now presenting for maternity care in the UK who have undergone FGM in their countries of origin and their daughters are also at risk. Yana Richens urges the judiciary, government and midwives to strengthen their stand.