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Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services: Reference Report
ANNEX D: Advantages of Birth Centres
Increased consumer satisfaction | Ernst 1986, Rooks et al, 1989; Spitzer 1995; Campbell R 1997;
Gillis SL (1995); Hayes KE.(1996); Saunders et al 2000 |
High midwifery job satisfaction | Saunders et al, 2000 |
More appropriate use of midwifery skills, more autonomy | Saunders et al, 2000; Ernst 1986 |
Women/ families able to make own birth decisions | Kucera 1987 |
Women felt empowered | Spitzer 1995 |
Higher normal delivery rates | David et al, 1999; Saunders et al. 2000; Wladenstrom et al 1997;
Durand, AM. (1992) |
Lower forceps and Ventouse rates | David et al, 1999; Feldman & Hunt 1987;
Durand, AM. 1992; Rosenblatt, Roger A et.al. 1997 |
Lower caesarean section rate | Feldman & Hunt 1987; Saunders et al. 2000,
Durand AM. (1992); Rosenblatt, Roger A., et.al. 1997 |
Fewer inductions | Saunders et al. 2000 |
Lower augmentation rates | Scupholme et al. 1986; Feldman & Hunt 1987; Rooks et al. 1992;
Law YY, Lam KY (1999) |
Fewer epidurals | Rooks et al. 1992; Feldman & Hunt 1987; Saunders et al..2000; Rosenblatt, Roger A. et.al. 1997 |
Less pethidine | Rooks et al. 1992; Spitzer 1995; Saunders et al. 2000 |
Fewer episiotomies | David et al. 1999; Rooks et .1992; Campbell et al 1999; Saunders et al. 2000 |
Less electronic fetal monitoring | Rooks et al. 1992; Spitzer 1995 |
Fewer amniotomies | Rooks et al. 1992; Spitzer 1995 |
Fewer intravenous infusions | Rooks et al. 1992; Feldman & Hunt 1987 |
Fewer vaginal examinations | Rooks et al. 1992; Spitzer 1995 |
Lower incidence of shoulder dystocia | Scupholme et al. 1986 |
Shorter labours | Albers & Katz 1991; Saunders et al. 2000 |
More likely to eat during labour | Rooks et al. 1992 |
More use of hydrotherapy | Rooks et al. 1992 |
Less fetal distress | Fullerton & Severino 1992 |
Less difficulty establishing respiration | Fullerton & Severino 1992 |
Increased chance of successful breastfeeding | Ernst 1986; Albers & Katz 1991; Spitzer 1995;
De Konincket al. (2001) |
Cost effectiveness | Saunders et al. 2000; Reinharz et al. 2000; Spitzer 1995; Rosser 2001;
American Public Health Association 2001; Anderson RE, Anderson, DA. (1999); Gabay M and Wolfe SM 1999 |
Source: Walsh, D. 2001, amended
Interventions not available in a Level I unit include amniotomy, caesarean section, electronic fetal monitoring, repeat analgesia and forceps delivery.
Definition of Birth Centre =A home-like facility, existing within a healthcare system with a programme of care in the wellness model of pregnancy and birth. These centres are guided by the principles of prevention, sensitivity, safety (appropriate medical intervention), and cost effectiveness. These units provide family centred acre for health women before, during and after normal pregnancy, labour and birth (National Association of Childbearing Centres, 1995)
http://www.birthcenters.org
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