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Midwifery in Canada
by Sinclair M. Harris
The increase in health care costs, the trend toward community-based services, and women's search for more satisfying birth experiences have led to a resurgence of the practice of midwifery. This article discusses the initiation and expansion of the role of midwifery in Canada. The focus of the article is on the legislation, preparation, professional organizations, and practice of midwifery. Although some resistance remains from obstetricians, there is support for nurse-midwifery because of its ability to provide safe and cost-effective care.
Focal Point on Labor Support: Second Stage Considerations for Doulas
by Jan Mallak
This article examines the second stage of labor in terms of phases, positions, perineum, and pushing and the role of the doula. Specific interventions related to the educative, supportive, and mediator roles of the doula with the laboring woman, her family, and staff during this important part of labor are emphasized.
Focal Point on Childbirth Education: Family Health Promotion from the Couple's Perspective, Part 1: Documenting the Need
by Viola Polomeno
Are perinatal educators preparing pregnant women and their family members for family well-being? What is family health promotion and its relationship to perinatal education? This first of two articles attempts to answer these questions by considering the family health promotion framework from the perspective of the couple as they are preparing themselves for the transition to parenthood as well as for laying down the foundation for family intimacy.
Cord Blood Collection: Are You Keeping Your Clients Informed?
by Sandy Hess
The value of umbilical cord blood collection has been well established. The purpose, procedure, benefits, and possible risks of umbilical cord blood collection is explained in this article. Childbirth educators are urged to present this information just as they do other topics such as choice of infant feeding and pain control methods. Important steps and questions to ask in order to choose the most appropriate cord blood banking facility are presented. Specific resources and contacts related to cord blood collection are included.
Do Childbirth and Early Parenting Programs Meet the Needs of the Client?
by Alison Smedley
Presented are the results of a non-randomized prospective study carried out by the Childbirth Education Association of Australia Ltd. to determine if its program met the needs of the clients. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed during 1997 with 247 returned at the completion of the course and 143 returned after the birth. Specific questions related to the class teachers, content, and practice sessions were answered. The course was rated fairly well; however participants identified a need for more information related to parenting. The implication for childbirth educators is the importance of focusing on the needs of clients rather than the needs of educators.
Focal Point on Breastfeeding: Teaching Breastfeeding to Parents Expecting Multiple Births
by Susan Moxley and Lynda P. Haddon
The rate of multiple births has increased to thirty percent in North America during the last fifteen years. Breastfeeding more than one infant at a time may appear to be difficult. This article focuses on important points to include related to teaching about breastfeeding multiple infants. Specific information including the importance of breastfeeding, the role of the father, decisions related to positioning, latch, and separate or simultaneous feeding is presented. How to avoid problems is also discussed. Other class hints including the use of visuals, resources, and case presentations are provided.
The Biopsychosociospiritual Approach to Birth Care
by Ann Kane
Biopsychosociospirituality is explained in terms on neurobiology. This article discusses the importance of how a woman feels about her pregnancy being a major factor in the birth experience and outcome. The roles of the childbirth educator, doula, and care provider in meeting the mother's biopsychosociospiritual needs are presented.
Educator's Corner
by Kathy Swift
What do you think is the best approach to teaching about epidural anesthesia, keeping in mind the philosophy of freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives?
Resources
by Rebecca Ward
Resources for parents of multiples
Political Issues
by Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam
Birth Defects Surveillance Registries in the United States and Europe
To download and view this article (in pdf format), click here. |
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