The advantages of giving birth in a relaxed atmosphere have been scientifically proven. Delivery time is shorter and fewer medical interventions (epidural for pain reduction, vacuum extraction, forceps delivery, or even cesarean section) are necessary.
During the last twenty years, the number of cesarean sections performed in the Netherlands has increased from 5 to 14 percent. Although the cause of this increase is not known, it certainly has something to do with too little support during labour. American research shows that continuous support encourages natural childbirth. The University Center for Midwifery Care offers such continuous support. “We’ve noticed that this concept works here as well and fewer assisted deliveries are now taking place," says Rita Iedema, head midwife at the center.
Preventive Support of Labour
As a gynecologist working in the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC), professor Hein Bruinse has collected all available literature on continuous support during childbirth and written a book on the subject entitled: Preventive Support of Labour.
Bruinse: “It is clear from the literature that normal childbirth can be encouraged by providing the pregnant woman with information, clearly establishing the onset of labour and allowing her to give birth in an environment of continuous care and support. The most important aspect here is to come up with a plan that clearly outlines the specification of tasks. It goes without saying that not only the woman in question, but also everybody involved is aware of its content.
A mine of information
The University Center for Midwifery Care was opened on January 1, 2004. Approximately 800 births take place there each year. All data surrounding past births have been stored. This provides the center with extensive information that can be used for scientific research.
Bruinse looked at the delivery time at the center for 450 women during first-time labour and 450 second time mums. “We found that 95 percent of women who were in established labour, gave birth within a period of 10 hours. This is consistent with results from other studies.”
New research
“We now know that the course of active labour is a good predictor for how the birth itself will go,” Bruinse recounts. “In a further study we are going to look at whether this predictor is reliable. If we know how normal progress during dilation should be, then we can intervene earlier when signs of problems occur. After all, the aim of the University Center for Midwifery Care is and remains that women are given the biggest possible chance for normal childbirth. It should be an experience that they can look back on with pleasure.”