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The
Safe Birthing Information Network is
a non-profit 501(c-3) organization dedicated to providing expectant
parents with information with which to make competent decisions
for having their baby normally – without unnecessary interventions.
Our primary goal is to create a central resource for local birth
organizations, parents and providers to locate organizations that
promote Mother and Baby Friendly Care. We have selected Mother/Baby
Friendly Care Providers, Members and Sponsors who:
- Provide evidence-based
care and support the Midwifery Model of Care.
- Appreciate
the normalcy of birth. This especially includes Licensed
Midwives, Certified Nurse Midwives and all types of Doulas.
- Recognize
that a woman's confidence and ability to give birth and to care
for her baby are enhanced or diminished by every person who
gives her care.
- Believe that
every woman, regardless of her age or circumstance, deserves
a safe and satisfying birth.
- Take responsibility
for the quality of care she or he provides and recognize that
individuals are ultimately responsible for making informed choices
about the health care they and their babies receive.
- Meet all the
requirements of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
as designated by the World Health Organization. The anticipated
result is better outcomes for mothers and babies:
- Strive for
the prevention and decrease in rate of unnecessary (CS) caesarian
section rates.
- Promote shorter
hospital stays.
- Increase maternal
satisfaction.
- Promote and educate
for successful breastfeeding.
- Increase the
awareness and treatment of Post Partum Depression, etc.
Additional
Information:
Birth Can Be Ecstatic, Even Orgasmic:
http://www.sarahjbuckley.com/articles/ecstatic-birth.htm
Birthing
Centers
 A
Birthing Center is a place where women may choose to give birth
in a caring, warm and homelike atmosphere and where their birth
experience is supported and respected as well as safe and secure.
It is a place where parents and professionals have created family-centered
care by balancing the human touch and technology to provide you
the time and attention you require before, during and after the
birth. They have all the necessary equipment for birthing, but
are specially designed for a woman, her partner, and family.
Birthing centers may be free standing (separate from a hospital)
or located within a hospital. These non-hospital facilities are
generally operated by certified nurse-midwives (CNM’s).
The contrast between birthing centers and from hospitals is that
a birthing center's focus is on family-centered care, and encourages
the mother to have a input in what goes on during the birth of
her baby.
Although centers may vary
greatly, most operate under similar guidelines
and criteria. A good birthing center will be staffed by experienced
midwives who practice a wellness and holistic approach to pregnant,
birth and women’s healthcare. An obstetrician should be
available for consultation and on call for emergencies at any
point during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum.
It is
best if the center chosen is close to an area hospital so mother
and/or baby can be transported quickly if an emergency should
arise that cannot be handled at the birthing center.
Midwifery
 What
is a Midwife
Midwives specialize in normal birth, respecting choices and options
of the birthing woman. Midwifery care provides safe care for low
risk pregnancies.
The
Midwifery Model of Care
In the midwifery model of care, the woman maintains power and
authority over herself. Responsibility is in the hands of the
woman, shared with her partner and midwife. The goal is to assist
the woman toward self-care as a healthy person in a state of normalcy.
The mother and baby are a unit whose medical and emotional needs
are complimentary; what meets the needs of one meets the needs
of both. The woman's body is a well-functioning home for herself
and her baby. Its needs and workings are best known by the woman
herself. The emphasis is on pregnancy and birth as times of physical,
psychological and emotional growth for the mother and fetus. Childbirth
is seen as an activity that the healthy woman engages in. The
midwife guides and educates the woman during her experience. Childbirth
is seen as an event in the lives of the woman and her child.
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Training
programs vary, but most practicing midwives are knowledgeable
in:
- human
reproduction
- anatomy
and physiology
- fetal
development
- prenatal
care
- use
of diagnostic testing
- risk
assessment in pregnancy
- management
of normal labor
- emergency
techniques
- newborn
assessment
- use
of medications
- birth
control education
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In addition,
midwives are also well-versed and skillful in:
- nutrition
- childbirth
education
- counseling
- labor
sitting
- protection
of normal labor
- prevention
of complications
- postpartum
care and support
- breastfeeding
- use
of alternatives to pharmaceutical medications
- well
woman gynecology
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What
Midwives Do
 Midwives
actively promote parent participation in health care decisions
by offering information and education to families throughout their
prenatal care, labor and birth, and early parenting. Both the
risks and benefits of medical intervention are discussed. The
midwife's support and expertise assist families in making their
own informed decisions when difficult or unexpected situations
occur.
 Midwives
support the right of parents to choose where they wish to give
birth. Midwives help parents determine which setting is most appropriate
for them, based on the mother's history and ongoing health,
and on the family's individual needs, desires,
and preferences.
The midwife has an important task in providing counseling and
education, not only for the pregnant woman but also for the family
and community. Midwives provide individualized services during
regular prenatal visits. They help the family to prepare for upcoming
life changes. They educate about the practical and philosophical
aspects of childbearing. Nutrition and prevention measures are
emphasized. On the average, each prenatal visit with a midwife
generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, which gives ample time
for women's questions to be answered and concerns to be heard.
It is
well documented that women who feel safe and supported during
labor experience less pain and require little or no medication.
When a woman in labor feels frightened, threatened or stressed,
her body releases excessive amounts of chemicals (catecholamines)
which can cause fetal distress and slow the progress of labor.
How a
woman is treated, and how much support she receives in labor can
directly influence the length of her labor and the health of her
baby. Her midwife provides active guidance and support during
labor. Through her respect for the natural process of childbirth,
she can instill confidence in the laboring woman.
Bonding
between parents and the newborn has been well studied and its
importance documented. Midwives actively encourage the bonding
process, knowing that early and continuous contact with the newborn
promotes the success of breastfeeding, increases the parents'
self-confidence, and strengthens family bonds. Healthy interaction
between parents and baby, begun in the immediate postpartum, help
prevent later dysfunctional relationships. Midwives help facilitate
such healthy family interactions.
The health
and social benefits of breastfeeding are widely recognized. The
success and maintenance of breastfeeding is often dependent on
the presence of a supportive and knowledgeable caregiver. Lactation
consultants report that women cared for by midwives seldom seem
to encounter serious breastfeeding problems. However, midwives
refer to lactation consultants when there are problems they cannot
correct.
The first
weeks with a new baby can be filled with delight and frustration.
Many new parents feel isolated and confused by the demands of
their baby, combined with the stresses of physical and emotional
recovery from birth. Most midwives are available in the early
postpartum weeks to check on the mother's and baby's health, facilitate
the father's or partner's participation and help with family adjustment.
Contact with their midwife in the first days after birth helps
parents adjust to the enormous changes in their lives, integrate
the experience of labor and birth, and bolster their confidence
in their ability to parent.
Types of Midwives
Midwifery
across the United States has been a self-regulating profession due
to the lack of legislative support. As an autonomous profession
midwifery has consistently maintained high statistics in safety
and health of mothers and babies. In California, as in many other
states, there are several types of midwives who practice in a variety
of settings; in hospitals, birth centers, and at home. While most
midwives are women, men can also practice as midwives. The following
descriptions outline the differences in training and practice among
midwives.
A Midwife is a person who,
having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program
fully recognized in the jurisdiction in which it is located, has
successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery
and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or
legally licensed to practice midwifery.
The availability of midwifery will increase
as the childbearing public understands the need for and insists
upon being cared for by midwives.
A Licensed Midwife (LM) in
California has successfully completed a three year post-secondary
midwifery education program, or has met such requirements through
a challenge exam process. In addition the LM has successfully completed
a comprehensive licensing exam provided by the California Medical
Board which is equivalent, but not identical to the exam given by
the American College of Nurse Midwives. Most LMs provide homebirth
and birth center services, which include water births.
A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
has met the criteria for experience and education, and has successfully
completed the certification exam provided by the North American
Registry of Midwives (NARM). Most Licensed Midwives in California
also hold the CPM credential.
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced training in midwifery.
The nurse-midwife must complete a two-year post-secondary course
of study in an accredited education program and pass an exam administered
by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).
A Midwife’s Scope of Practice
A Midwife must be able to provide the necessary
supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labor and
postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility,
and to care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventive
measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in the mother and
child, the procurement of medical assistance, and the execution
of emergency measures in the absence of medical help.
A Midwife
has an important task, as a counselor and an educator, not only
for clients, but also for the family and community.. The work
should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood
and extends to certain areas of gynecology, family planning and
childcare.
A Midwife
may practice in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary
conditions or any other service.
Childbirth
Education
There
are many different childbirth education classes offered that include
information on:
-
Proactive
prevention of problems in pregnancy.
-
Early and
scrupulous attention to nutrition and exercise.
-
Careful
attention to the emotional aspects of pregnancy birth and
parenthood.
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Respecting
the natural process of birth as much as possible.
-
Avoiding
interventions whenever possible.
-
Breastfeeding
as most optimal for the health of the baby and the mother.
Childbirth
Educators promote birth as a normal, natural and empowering process,
one that can be experienced as a joyous, positive and life-enhancing
event when a woman has educated herself on all of the choices available
to her for this special time in her life.
Childbirth
Education includes the knowledge of the physical, emotional, psychological
and spiritual aspects of giving birth, and a deeper awareness of
our bodies and our strength as women. Preparing yourself for this
special moment in your life is important, because it will give you
the confidence and resources to deal with this physically challenging
and rewarding experience.
Childbirth
Education for a Home Birth
  These
classes should focus on birth as a natural process and emphasize
partner and family preparation, they focus on working with the
body, staying grounded and developing
a positive pain coping mindset in addition to the physiology of
labor and birth, when to call the midwife and pain coping practices,
baby care, nursing and postpartum care.
Often midwives will teach their own courses or work with others
who work well in the homebirth community.
Options
for out of hospital classes are Hypnobabies, Bradley and Birthing
From Within courses as well as courses
taught by individual midwives.
Childbirth
Education for a Hospital Birth
 Any
type of class is appropriate for expectant parents if they do
decide to give birth in a hospital. Expectant parents are not
limited in their choices and can enroll in classes in or outside
of the hospital, though most hospitals offer their own courses.
The subject matter of these classes are regulated by each individual
hospital administration. Usually, the focus is on the basic Prenatal
Exercise, the Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy/Delivery, the
Labor and Delivery process, what to expect in the Hospital, questions
regarding the administration of Anesthetics and/or Other Medications,
when to go to the hospital, the use of Vacuum/Forceps, what to
expect if an episiotomy is required, what to expect if a Cesarean
Section is deemed necessary, if you are Preterm Labor/Delivery
or if you have preterm labor or Postpartum
Depression.
Childbirth
Education for the Expectant Teen
 Currently
the classes that cater specifically to expectant teens are generally
offered through high school programs that work with teen moms. Teens
are welcome in any class setting whether it is classes in a hospital,
community or private classes through midwives. Teens find it helpful
when they are supported by a family member or friend. Most instructors
make allowances for financial difficulties and some even offer free
classes for teen mothers. If possible, locate a class that emphasizes
birth and motherhood as an emotional experience.
Childbirth Education for the New Siblings
Many instructors gear their courses towards
siblings to be. The birth of a new baby is an important event in
the life of your family. These hands-on classes that assist children
adjust to the arrival of a new brother or sister. Newborn safety,
feelings, & what the baby will look like are discussed. Both
parents are encouraged to attend. To locate a class near you, contact
instructors individually. Many times classes are not listed but
available.
Childbirth
Education for the Expectant Mother
 There
are many options for the expectant mother. Expectant parents are
not limited in their choices and can take classes in private or
group settings. There are a variety of classes that emphasize natural
birth, classes that are information based, and classes that emphasize
the creative side of birth and classes that promote pain free birth.
Most Childbirth Educators or birth centers offer their own courses.
Usually, the focus is on the basic Prenatal Exercise, the Anatomy
and Physiology of Pregnancy/Delivery, the Labor and Delivery process,
what to expect before, during and after delivery of your baby, what
to expect if it is necessary to be admitted to a hospital, what
to expect if an episiotomy is required, what to expect if a Cesarean
Section is deemed necessary, if you are Preterm Labor/Delivery or
if you have preterm labor or Postpartum Depression.
Childbirth
Education for the New Father
 Apart
from traditional classes that emphasize the needs of mother and
baby, dads can locate classes termed “daddy boot camp”
that create an atmosphere that is lively and comfortable for most
men. The emphasis is on practical fathering skills such as changing
diapers, getting babies to sleep, caring for a baby as well as the
new mother.
Doula
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek
term meaning "a woman caregiver of another woman."
What is A Doula?
 A
doula is a woman who has an education and experience assisting women
through the childbirth process. They will also help with positioning
and movement which assists in the descent of the baby and pain management
for the mom. Doulas pay special attention to the woman during labor
and will not leave them during this time. Doulas are also aware of
the memories that a woman will carry with her of the birth and promote
a positive birth experience.
Birth Doula
A birth doula, or professional labor assistant,
provides labor support, and some prenatal/postpartum services. A birth
doula is experienced in birth and knows how to provide physical, emotional
and informational support to a woman and her partner during labor
and birth. Studies have shown that using a birth doula can: shorten
labor, reduce the use of pain medications and augmentation of labor
(pitocin), as well as increase a woman's satisfaction with her birth,
enhance bonding and breastfeeding success, and reduce postpartum depression.
PostPartum
Doula
 A
postpartum doula helps the new family make the transition into
parenthood. She offers physical, emotional and informational support
and shares her experience in working with babies. Postpartum doulas
help with cooking, light housekeeping, assisting with siblings,
as well as, providing breastfeeding support and basic baby care
tips. The supportive ear and attentive eye of the postpartum doula
can help to ease the worries of the first weeks of motherhood
and to connect the family to resources and information. Partners
also benefit from postpartum doula help by freeing them to be
able to spend more time with mom and baby.
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