Birth Without Interventions
- Duration: 75 Mins
- Credits: 1.25 CERP, 1.25 R-CERP
- Handout: Yes
Abstract:
When a woman enjoys a physiological birth (spontaneous onset of labour without medical interventions) she experiences a deep sense of accomplishment, fulfillment and empowerment. Pregnant women if given the right evidence based information on the normal physiology of labour and birth; enlightened on the options of comfort measures to help cope with the pain of labour will feel more confident to a birth without unnecessary interventions.
The ACOG Committee Opinion No. 76, February 2017, suggested evidence based strategies for low-risk pregnant women. Delaying admission until active phase (> 6cm cervical dilatation), monitoring the fetal heart intermittent auscultation with a hand-held Doppler for monitoring the fetal heart; remaining mobile and upright; ensuring adequate intake of oral liquids and /or food, the presence of a supportive birth companion, the avoidance of unnecessary IV oxytocin infusion, leaving the bag of membranes to break spontaneously, to birth in the position of choice, to hold the baby skin to skin and initiate early breastfeeding are effective steps towards a natural birth. All of this can be offered by a professional midwife trained to meet global standards of competence as outlined by WHO/ICM.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1: Explain the impact of a positive birth experience on the long term health of the mother and baby;
Objective 2: Describe the importance of empowering pregnant women with evidence based information on the normal physiology of labour/birth; comfort measures to cope with pain; her rights to choice of companion, birthing positions and skin to skin;
Objective 3: Discuss the negative impact of unnecessary interventions on the mother-baby dyad;
Objective 4: Explain the urgent need for obstetricians to help change childbirth practices globally and to work with midwives as professional colleagues, with mutual respect and trust.
