Advancing normal birth: organizations, goals, and research.

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Public Health Policy
• Evidence-Based Midwifery

Background:

• Normal birth is a public health goal supported by various organizations.
• The midwifery model of care is recognized for its potential to advance normal birth.
• Existing research and guidelines offer insights into optimal maternity care practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize support for advancing normal birth.
• To compare the goals of Healthy People 2010, Lamaze International, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, and the midwifery model of care.
• To present evidence supporting the safety and economic benefits of the midwifery model for normal birth.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of organizational goals (Healthy People 2010, Lamaze, CIMS, midwifery model).
• Review of research abstracts demonstrating the efficacy of the midwifery model.
• Comparison of intervention rates from the Listening to Mothers survey with Cochrane Database recommendations.

Main Results:

• The midwifery model of care aligns with and supports the advancement of normal birth.
• Evidence suggests the midwifery model is both safe and cost-effective for promoting normal birth.
• Intervention rates in the Listening to Mothers survey are contrasted with evidence-based recommendations.

Conclusions:

• The midwifery model of care is a viable and effective approach to advancing normal birth.
• Perinatal education should incorporate principles that support normal birth and evidence-based practices.
• Policy and practice should align to promote the midwifery model for improved maternal and infant outcomes.