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Informed Choice in Childbirth in North America
Midwifery care, which is the standard of care in most countries worldwide, is currently
emerging into the mainstream in North America. We believe that we are on the brink of a
breakthrough in public awareness that will make the
midwives model of care universally accessible to childbearing families.
Explore these pages and learn about the midwives model of care, which differs
significantly from the standard obstetrical model. Learn about recent research findings
and changes in our healthcare system that are helping to fuel a reemergence of midwifery.
And learn how you can support our work and help midwife the movement for informed choice
in childbirth in North America.
| WHAT WE KNOW |
Midwifery care is as safe or safer than
obstetric care for low risk pregnancies. It is considerably less expensive. It involves
fewer serious interventions, such as cesarean sections and induction of labor. Women and
families express high levels of satisfaction with midwifery care. And better childbirth
outcomes in Europe and other countries where midwifery is the standard for low risk
pregnancies show us that this model works! Research shows that continuous
doula care during childbirth results in
improvements in obstetrical outcomes and emotional and psychological benefits.
Click on the link to the left for an annotated bibliography of recent research on the
benefits of midwifery and doula care. Also find instructions on how to search for related
research in PubMed, the National Library of
Medicine's database of biomedical research journal literature. |
BARRIERS:
BRINGING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE |
The scientific evidence indicates
strongly that midwifery care is the appropriate care for most low-risk pregnancies. This
evidence does not inform mainstream maternity care in North America. In the United States,
approximately 75% of pregnancies are low risk, while only 7.7% are attended by midwives.
Why is there such a major disconnect between what we know and what we do? Why don't North
American women have access to the best maternity care available? Lack of access to
information
Many families believe that their only viable childbirth option involves physician's care
in a hospital. For low-risk pregnancies, this is often not the case. If families do not
know about the safety and cost-effectiveness of midwifery care, this choice has
effectively been denied to them.
Insufficient supply of midwives
More midwives are needed to meet rising consumer demand. There is a scarcity of accredited
midwifery schools and funding for existing schools is inadequate. In addition, economic
and public policy barriers make it difficult for midwives to establish and maintain
practices. Restrictive public policy
A number recent shifts in recent public policy have expanded the availability of midwifery
in North America. However, more progress is needed on both the state and national levels,
particularly in the areas of legal recognition in a number of states and insurance
coverage in nearly all locations. |
| RECENT PROGRESS |
We are at a turning point. Find
out about state and national developments that are expanding childbirth choices for
families and helping us close the gap between what is known and what is practiced. |
| SEATTLE
MIDWIFERY SCHOOL'S INVESTMENT |
Seattle Midwifery School
recognizes that tremendous opportunities exist because of the growing awareness among
consumers and policymakers of the benefits of midwifery and doula care. For many years we
have been utilizing the unique expertise, experience, and resources of our school and its
members to bring midwifery care into the mainstream. Read about our recent investments in
midwifery education and advocacy. |
| OUR CHALLENGE |
We are a small, nonprofit school
tackling a big issue. Throughout our 30 years, we have had many successes and have been a
key player in making licensed midwifery care a viable childbirth option to families in
Washington State. But success creates new challenges and we find ourselves now at a
critical juncture. We need a broad base of support for this public interest work!
Please
join our effort. |
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HOW YOU CAN HELP |
Support Seattle
Midwifery School
Your expertise, passion and contributions are our most important resource.
Be an information resource
Public awareness is the key that unlocks the door between knowledge and
practice. You can help protect the health and well being of individual
babies and their families by becoming informed on this issue and sharing
what you know. Childbirth is a time of profound physiological,
psychological, and spiritual importance. Be a resource for your family and
friends so that they have the tools to make informed decisions!
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| DEFINITIONS |
This page provides definitions
for terms used throughout this site. |
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