Lamaze Sees Progress, Problems for Childbearing Women

Lamaze International examines the state of maternity care after 50 years of advocating for a safe, healthy and natural approach to childbirth. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) September 28, 2010 - WASHINGTON - It's been just over 50 years since the seminal magazine article "Cruelty in Maternity Wards" exposed the unhealthy and inhumane treatment women were subjected to while giving birth. The article jump-started childbirth reform efforts in America, including the creation of the American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics, now known as Lamaze International.

Lamaze applauds the positive steps it has advocated for in maternity care since the 1950s, including the elimination of "twilight sleep" in labor, the introduction of fathers into the labor and delivery room, and the adoption of one room for both labor and birth.

However, Lamaze sees that many problems persist in the care of childbearing women in the United States. "Overall, the number of women dying or being injured in childbirth has improved since in the 1950's, but if you look at more recent trends, we're starting to see the rate of injury and death creep back up," says Sharon Dalrymple, president of Lamaze International. "We're very concerned about that and it's clear that women have an important role in getting the healthy and safe births they want." Maternal mortality rates in the United States have nearly doubled since 1999 from 7.1 deaths per 100,000 births to 13.3 deaths per 100,000 births, leaving the United States ranked 41st in the world for maternal mortality.

Although the organization is most famous for the breathing techniques taught in Lamaze childbirth education classes, Lamaze International now focuses on educating women and their partners on the many ways to increase the likelihood of a safe and healthy birth.

"We still see a big disconnect between what's good for moms and babies and what actually happens in labor and delivery," continued Dalrymple. "For example, women are no longer tethered to the bed with leather straps, but they are confined by IV tubes and heart rate monitor belts, despite evidence that showing that when women move and walk in labor, birth is easier."

Advocates for better care point to other common practices that can hinder or harm a woman and her baby in labor and birth. Common practices of concern include:
• Subjecting women to interventions because they are "routine," not because they are needed, including being denied food and drink, being put on IV fluids, and having continuous fetal heart rate monitoring though research has shown little benefit and possible harm to women with no risk factors
• Inducing labor without a medical reason-which can result in more complications, including cesarean surgeries
• Not ensuring women have a dedicated support person throughout labor and birth
• Placing women on their backs or in semi-reclined positions during pushing, and coached pushing

"Every woman should have the information and tools they need to have a safe, healthy and natural birth," said Dalrymple. "The more information a woman has, the more confident she'll feel in the choices she makes about her care."

Lamaze International is the leader in providing women with unbiased maternity information and education, with tools such as Lamaze childbirth education classes, an online community for parents (www.GivingBirthWithConfidence.com) and the recently updated book, Official Lamaze® Guide: Giving Birth With Confidence.

In the new edition of Giving Birth With Confidence, authors Judith Lothian and Charlotte DeVries present childbearing as a simple, healthy process instead of an experience fraught with danger. Written in plain English for moms-to-be, the authors tell women about:
• How simply pregnancy and birth unfold when allowed to progress naturally
• What can disrupt the natural course of birth
• Information on maternity care to help readers choose a caregiver and birth site
• Research evidence about pregnancy, labor, and birth, to help women distinguish fact from fiction
• Practical strategies for communicating and negotiating with medical caregivers

"This book encourages mothers to trust their ability to give birth without potentially harmful interventions," said Lothian. "It's an excellent resource not only for Lamaze students, but all expectant parents who want a childbirth that reflects their informed choices and results in a healthy, happy, and fulfilling birth."

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, Lamaze is partnering with the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) to host The 50th Anniversary Mega Conference: Celebrating Our Pasts, Uniting for the Future of Birth in Milwaukee, Wis., on September 30 - October 3, 2010. The Mega Conference combines education, research, networking and social activities for childbirth educators, midwives, nurses, doulas, administrators, doctors, physical therapists, birth advocates, social workers, authors, researchers and lactation consultants.

To learn more about the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices, please enroll in a Lamaze childbirth education class and visit www.lamaze.org/healthybirthpractices.

About Lamaze International
Lamaze International promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting practices. Knowing that pregnancy and childbirth can be demanding on a woman's body and mind, Lamaze serves as a resource for information about what to expect and what choices are available during the childbearing years. Lamaze education and practices are based on the best and most current medical evidence available. Working closely with their families, health care providers and Lamaze educators, millions of pregnant women have achieved their desired childbirth outcomes using Lamaze practices. The best way to learn about Lamaze's steps to a safe and healthy birth is to take a class with a Lamaze certified instructor. To find classes in your area, or for more information visit www.lamaze.org.

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