Home childbirth and postpartum care in Denmark 1982-1984
Enrum, V.S.; Knudsen, L.B.; Kristensen, F.B.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 149(42): 2875-2879
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3433462 Document Number: 292318
Home confinement has been a topic in several Danish studies. The results are conflicting which may be due to differences either in the population or methodology. This national study (1982-1984), based on data from registries in the National Board of Health in Denmark, shows that women who choose to deliver at home, constitute a selected group of women, as regards age, parity and occupation. They are older, more often multiparous and frequently employed in social- and health professions. According to the forms sent to the National Board of Health postpartum care was given to about two percent of all parturient women during the period under consideration. This amounts to approximately one third of the families who are entitled to this support according to Danish law.