Birth
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Little has been studied about pregnant women's perceptions of their nurse's role during labor and delivery. The objective of this study was to determine nulliparous pregnant women's expectations of their nurse's role during labor and delivery as expressed during the last trimester of pregnancy. ⋯ The expectations of women in our study were in contrast with findings from two previous work sampling studies, in which nurses provided much less time giving women physical comfort, emotional support, and informational support than would have been expected by women in our study. Fulfilling women's expectations about childbirth can increase women's satisfaction with their birth experiences. Further studies can help maternity caregivers learn more about women's expectations.
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The consistently high cesarean section rate in most developed Western countries has been attributed in part to maternal request. This controversial view demands critical analysis. This paper provides a critique of published research relating to women's request for cesarean delivery. ⋯ Few women request a cesarean section in the absence of current or previous obstetric complications. The focus on women's request for cesarean section may divert attention away from physician-led influences on the continuing high cesarean section rates.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Team midwifery care in a tertiary level obstetric service: a randomized controlled trial.
In 1996 a new model of maternity care characterized by continuity of midwifery care from early pregnancy through to the postpartum period was implemented for women attending Monash Medical Centre, a tertiary level obstetric service, in Melbourne, Australia. The objective of this study was to compare the new model of care with standard maternity care. ⋯ Continuity of midwifery care was associated with a reduction in medical procedures in labor and a shorter length of stay without compromising maternal and perinatal safety. Continuity of midwifery care is realistically achievable in a tertiary obstetric referral service.
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Editorial Comment
Confrontation in Kansas City: elective cesareans and maternal choice.