Knowledge is Power!
Obstetricians and nurses who work in hospital labor and delivery units are notoriously mired in routines and standard operating procedures regardless of scientific evidence that contradict them. Some examples of this are artificial rupture of the membranes, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and separation of mom and baby following birth. For pregnant women who wish to buck this system, one of the best weapons to have is a knowledge of the evidence. Here are two of my favorite places to gain power, er, knowledge:
- Lamaze Research Summaries for Normal Birth
- Childbirth Connection, featuring A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth
These two resources are particularly good because the information is presented in easily-digested language, but with citations for those who wish to go straight to the source for the complete study.
The only way current medical birth practices will ever change is if the consumers themselves demand it. So start demanding better care!