Family practice obstetrics: style of practice

Prevalent birth practices reflecting a family-centered, minimally invasive style of obstetrical practice were surveyed among 235 family physicians practicing obstetrics in Michigan. Respondents older than 35 years and those without an academic affiliation reported fewer "family-centered" and more "intrusive" practices than did younger or academically affiliated respondents. Compared to published data on California obstetricians, Michigan family physicians were more likely to report practices that appear family centered and, particularly for more recent graduates, ones less likely to routinely involve obstetrical interventions.