Too many obstetricians and hospitals are overusing high-tech procedures while ignoring the high-touch, noninvasive measures that can mean better outcomes for baby and Mom, a new study finds.
When it’s time to bring a new baby into the world, there’s a lot to be said for letting nature take the lead. The normal, hormone-driven changes in the body that naturally occur during delivery can optimize infant health and encourage the easy establishment and continuation of breastfeeding and mother-baby attachment. Childbirth without technical intervention can succeed in leading to a good outcome for mother and child, according to the new report. (See our full maternity-care report on the study, and take our maternity-care quiz to test your knowledge.)
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/baby/2008/10/back-to-basics.html
For years, consumers have enthusiastically shared online reviews of movies, restaurants, products and services, but readily available information about maternity care providers and birth settings was nearly unattainable. No longer. CIMS’ The Birth Survey is an online resource for women to share their consumer reviews of doctors, midwives, hospitals, and birth centers, learn about the choices and birth experiences of others, and view data on hospital and birth center standard practices and intervention rates.
http://www.thebirthsurvey.com/