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"Humanizing" childbirth: the discovery and implementation of bonding theory
Recent changes in methods of childbirth attendance represent one example of an emerging emphasis on the humanization of medical treatment. Although many have observed this trend toward humanization, the process of medical accommodation--including rationales provided for change, the nature and limitations of humanization, and the consequences of "humanized" medicine--is not well understood. This paper explores the process of medical accommodation by focusing on the ways in which the issue of parent-infant bonding has contributed to the humanization of obstetric care. The bonding issue has provided a rationale for change in a specialty area facing criticisms on several fronts. Acknowledging consumer demands for change in traditional styles of maternity care, medical professionals have responded by offering alternative programs based largely in the conclusions of research on the attachment process. It is demonstrated that these medically proposed alternatives suffer from many organizational constraints and that the emphasis on bonding fostered by these new programs has potentially negative consequences.
Recent changes in methods of childbirth attendance represent one example of an emerging emphasis on the humanization of medical treatment. Although many have observed this trend toward humanization, the process of medical accommodation--including rationales provided for change, the nature and limitations of humanization, and the consequences of "humanized" medicine--is not well understood. This paper explores the process of medical accommodation by focusing on the ways in which the issue of parent-infant bonding has contributed to the humanization of obstetric care. The bonding issue has provided a rationale for change in a specialty area facing criticisms on several fronts. Acknowledging consumer demands for change in traditional styles of maternity care, medical professionals have responded by offering alternative programs based largely in the conclusions of research on the attachment process. It is demonstrated that these medically proposed alternatives suffer from many organizational constraints and that the emphasis on bonding fostered by these new programs has potentially negative consequences.