Care during pregnancy and childbirth in Sweden : perspectives of lesbian women

Objective to explore the views and experiences of care of lesbian women during pregnancy and childbirth. Design, setting and participants a qualitative study of 18 lesbian women in southern Sweden. Findings valid text units were formed through categorisation into four main categories: recognition of sexual orientation; openness; relationships within the homosexual family; and different encounters and attitudes within the health-care system. The interviewed women were positive about their care during pregnancy and childbirth. However, as in studies regarding women's experiences of care in general, lesbian women raised concerns about postnatal care, parent education and the structure of the patient records with no place for the female partner. Key conclusions and implications for practice confirmation of parenthood was important, especially for the co-parent. The participants in this study felt that when they were open about their sexuality, this was met with an openness that they felt was confirming about their homsexuality. It is important for health-care providers not to make assumptions about women's sexuality