The Committee on Obstetric Practice for the (ACOG) has finally endorsed the limitation of intervention prior and during birth. According to their issued statement it's recommended doctors collaborate more with mid-wives, nurses and patients instead of automatically prescribing labor induction, epidurals, c-sections and more!
In the United States it has become common place practice for OBGYN's to recommend patients have induced labor if a child does not arrive on the due date or to perform c-sections when there are no complications. Many of these types of recommendations have allegedly stemmed from OBGYN's scheduling practices and insurance payouts. This subsequently leads to to higher costs for patients for unnecessary procedures.
According to the endorcement:
Data suggest that in women with normally progressing labor and no evidence of fetal compromise, routine amniotomy is not necessary. The widespread use of continuous electronic fetal heart-rate monitoring has not improved outcomes when used for women with low-risk pregnancies. Multiple nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic techniques can be used to help women cope with labor pain.
What this means is if you choose to use a midwife or doula it is highly recommended your doctor oblige their practices. Here are some big points to take note of:
- You do not have to use medications if you do not want to. This allows the use of hollistic labor techniques.
- You can be as over due as you want to be and go into labor naturally.
- You can choose your own labor position and opt to use water immersion techniques.
- You do not have to use the fetal heart monitoring machines used by hospitals in labor.
- Doulas and mid-wives may be present to offer emaotional support and message during labor.
Additionally, this endorcement is made for mothers with no risk pregnancies or birth. If you have no risk and your doctor is forceful about his/her opinion show them the recommendation here.
