Safer Birth In Bama Position Statements
POSITION ON FREE BIRTH:
While we respect all mothers we DO NOT promote or endorse the practice of FREE BIRTH, UNASSISTED BIRTH, or BIRTH ATTENDED BY AN UNLICENSED non-credentialed provider.
POSITION ON PROVIDERS:
We recognize OB/GYN’s, Family Practice Obstetricians, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Midwives, and Certified Professional Midwives with a Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (M.E.A.C) approved education as highly skilled and qualified care providers during the birth process. We also acknowledge that when these providers are well integrated patient continuity and necessary transfers of care are optimized.
OUR POSITION ON CESAREAN SECTIONS (Elected, Emergency, Preventable, VBAC) : ALL MOTHERS deserve support, respect, and high quality care.
Elective Cesareans: While we do not promote major abdominal surgery as a preferred choice for childbirth, we would expect that thorough informed consent, and the most up to date, evidence based, baby friendly techniques be offered in an elective cesarean just as we would an unmedicated vaginal delivery.
Emergency Cesareans:These are traumatic and we honor and respect those mothers who have surgically given birth to their precious children for the sake of preserving one or both of their lives. We also uphold a thankful attitude for the physicians that have assisted during these emergencies. We acknowledge the emotional and physical strain on both parties with the utmost respect.
Preventable Cesareans: We believe based on current research that there are many factors that contribute to the likelihood of a preventable cesarean section. Early inductions, early interventions during labor, movement restrictions, continuous fetal monitoring, and the timing of an epidural may all be contributing factors. Discuss with your healthcare provider ways to reduce your rate of interventions so that your chances of a cesarean are reduced.
VBACS: We stand with ACOG’s 2010 recommendations
“Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous cesareans, according to guidelines released today by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.” Consult with your physician or midwife to determine if you meet criteria for a VBAC.
Statement of Support
By supporting Safer Birth in Bama I affirm that:
- I place value on the lives of ALL Alabama mothers and babies.
- I believe that all mothers deserve a support system.
- I recognize that Alabama women need greater access to better nutritional, emotional,and physical care before, during, and after pregnancy.
- I acknowledge the dismal state of the most current data regarding perinatal, infant, and maternal outcomes in Alabama and wish to be a part of an active change.
- I believe that true informed consent should be mandatory in all aspects of maternity care.
- I commit to promote and support evidence based and patient centered care in keeping with the most recent peer reviewed journal publications related to maternal and child health that are presently available.
- I commit to encouraging breastfeeding and safe sleep practices.
- I support an integrated system where all health and wellness care providers as well as support persons are able to collaborate effectively and congenially with respect for one another for the sake of patient continuity and optimized outcomes.
- I respect the right of a family to make an informed decision about their birth regarding providers, facilities, and interventions.
