Exploring midwifery students' experiences of clinical training in planned home birth: A qualitative study

In Spain, midwifery students receive limited education on and remain unfamiliar with the physiology and safety of planned home births. The aim of the study was to explore midwifery students' experiences of clinical training in planned home birth and how to improve the quality of care based on identified barriers.

A descriptive qualitative study was carried out. This research was conducted at the Nursing Faculty of the University of University of Almeria, involving 13 midwifery students. Data were collected using semi-structured interview between December and April 2025. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis and themes generated that addressed the research objective.

A total of 13 midwifery students enrolled in the education program. Two main themes were developed that reflect the meaning patterns constructed through the data analysis: 1) 'Attend a planned home birth', with the subthemes 'Fear of giving birth outside delivery', 'The unknown physiological process' and 'Recognizing stereotypes around the naturalization of birth'; and 2) 'Promoting resources that integrate planned home birth', with the subthemes 'Learning as a catalyst for change' and 'The need for institutional support'.

The results reveal the need to integrate content about planned home births into midwifery curricula. High-fidelity simulation can help bring planned home birth to midwifery students and midwives with a dynamic, safe, and reflective approach, ensuring optimal care for women who choose a planned home birth. Additionally, the results identify resources that could promote the visibility of planned home birth attention within academic, clinical, and social environment.