Want to be part of a research study on perceptions on birth?

Hello, Families!

My name is Catalina Hernandez and I am a homebirth mama of three. I am also a researcher at UC Merced and will be heading up a project in conjunction with UC Berkeley’s Center for Human Rights, the McNair Scholars Program, and Choices in Childbirth to understand women’s perspectives on childbirth and would like to give voice to the experiences of local homebirth Mamas. The aim of the project is to understand how women navigate the complex birth culture of the United States and become empowered to seek mindful maternity care. Specifically, this qualitative study is part of a survey on the birth culture and attempts to gain insight into birth experiences and perceptions of women choosing midwifery care as a safer alternative to obstetric-based medical care.

The research involves taking a very short survey followed by a freestyle interview (meant to feel more like a conversation) in which we discuss your birth experience(s) and your feelings both past and present about childbirth. I encourage you to please sign up—the more mothers who participate the more relevant this important research will be!

The first round of interviews will begin June 4, 2012 and will run through the end of August. Interviews will last about an hour and can be conducted in your home, over the phone, via skype, or in a neutral location. Dates and times are flexible.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact me at

or call/text (619) 840-9046. You can also get more information about my project at . Please share my information with anyone you feel might be interested in this project (note: participants must have attempted at least one birth attended by a midwife). I hope to hear your stories soon!

Best,

Catalina Hernandez

McNair Scholars Program, UC Merced

UC Berkeley Center for Human Rights Fellow