Model of care in freestanding birth centers in Brazil: a scoping review

Freestanding birth centers (FBCs) in Brazil are regulated to provide care for women with a straightforward pregnancy. The systematization of the literature on FBCs can broaden our knowledge of these facilities. We conducted a scoping review to answer the following research question: "What are the characteristics of the model of care in freestanding birth centers in Brazil?". Relevant studies covering any period and in any language were included. Searches were performed of platforms, databases, repositories, and institutional websites. The searches followed the stages set out in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and the review protocol was registered with the OSF. A total of 85 documents were selected, involving ten FBCs. The maternal and neonatal outcomes described by the studies were categorized as follows: respect for women's autonomy and needs; humanized evidenced-based care; feeling safe with and confident in care providers; use of integrative and complementary health practices; positive maternal experience and neonatal outcomes; and welcoming and comfortable environment. The findings reinforce that care delivery in FBCs is grounded in the biopsychosocial model of health care and that the physical environment and organization of these facilities and approach to childbirth are structured around the needs of pregnant people and their babies.