Safe Birthing Information Network

The Safe Birthing Information Network is a non-profit 501(c-3) organization dedicated to providing expectant parents with information with which to make competent decisions for having their baby normally – without unnecessary interventions.
Our primary goal is to create a central resource for local birth organizations, parents and providers to locate organizations that promote Mother and Baby Friendly Care. We have selected Mother/Baby Friendly Care Providers, Members and Sponsors who:

• Provide evidence-based care and support the Midwifery Model of Care.
• Appreciate the normalcy of birth.  This especially includes Licensed Midwives, Certified Nurse Midwives and all types of Doulas.
• Recognize that a woman's confidence and ability to give birth and to care for her baby are enhanced or diminished by every person who gives her care.
• Believe that every woman, regardless of her age or circumstance, deserves a safe and satisfying birth.
• Take responsibility for the quality of care she or he provides and recognize that individuals are ultimately responsible for making informed choices about the health care they and their babies receive.
• Meet all the requirements of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as designated by the World Health Organization. The anticipated result is better outcomes for mothers and babies:
• Strive for the prevention and decrease in rate of unnecessary (CS) caesarian section rates.
• Promote shorter hospital stays.
• Increase maternal satisfaction.
• Promote and educate for successful breastfeeding.
• Increase the awareness and treatment of Post Partum Depression, etc.

Additional Information:
Birth Can Be Ecstatic, Even Orgasmic:  http://www.sarahjbuckley.com/articles/ecstatic-birth.htm

 

 

Birthing Centers
A Birthing Center is a place where women may choose to give birth in a caring, warm and homelike atmosphere and where their birth experience is supported and respected as well as safe and secure. It is a place where parents and professionals have created family-centered care by balancing the human touch and technology to provide you the time and attention you require before, during and after the birth. They have all the necessary equipment for birthing, but are specially designed for a woman, her partner, and family.
Birthing centers may be free standing (separate from a hospital) or located within a hospital. These non-hospital facilities are generally operated by certified nurse-midwives (CNM’s). The contrast between birthing centers and from hospitals is that a birthing center's focus is on family-centered care, and encourages the mother to have a input in what goes on during the birth of her baby.
Although centers may vary greatly, most operate under similar guidelines and criteria. A good birthing center will be staffed by experienced midwives who practice a wellness and holistic approach to pregnant, birth and women’s healthcare. An obstetrician should be available for consultation and on call for emergencies at any point during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum.
It is best if the center chosen is close to an area hospital so mother and/or baby can be transported quickly if an emergency should arise that cannot be handled at the birthing center.

Midwifery
What is a Midwife
Midwives specialize in normal birth, respecting choices and options of the birthing woman. Midwifery care provides safe care for low risk pregnancies.

The Midwifery Model of Care
In the midwifery model of care, the woman maintains power and authority over herself. Responsibility is in the hands of the woman, shared with her partner and midwife. The goal is to assist the woman toward self-care as a healthy person in a state of normalcy. The mother and baby are a unit whose medical and emotional needs are complimentary; what meets the needs of one meets the needs of both. The woman's body is a well-functioning home for herself and her baby. Its needs and workings are best known by the woman herself. The emphasis is on pregnancy and birth as times of physical, psychological and emotional growth for the mother and fetus. Childbirth is seen as an activity that the healthy woman engages in. The midwife guides and educates the woman during her experience. Childbirth is seen as an event in the lives of the woman and her

Training programs vary, but most practicing midwives are knowledgeable in:

• human reproduction
• anatomy and physiology
• fetal development
• prenatal care
• use of diagnostic testing
• risk assessment in pregnancy
• management of normal labor
• emergency techniques
• newborn assessment
• use of medications
• birth control education

In addition, midwives are also well-versed and skillful in:

• nutrition
• childbirth education
• counseling
• labor sitting
• protection of normal labor
• prevention of complications
• postpartum care and support
• breastfeeding
• use of alternatives to pharmaceutical medications
• well woman gynecology

What Midwives Do
Midwives actively promote parent participation in health care decisions by offering information and education to families throughout their prenatal care, labor and birth, and early parenting. Both the risks and benefits of medical intervention are discussed. The midwife's support and expertise assist families in making their own informed decisions when difficult or unexpected situations occur.
Midwives support the right of parents to choose where they wish to give birth. Midwives help parents determine which setting is most appropriate for them, based on the mother's history and ongoing health, and on the family's individual needs, desires, and preferences.
The midwife has an important task in providing counseling and education, not only for the pregnant woman but also for the family and community. Midwives provide individualized services during regular prenatal visits. They help the family to prepare for upcoming life changes. They educate about the practical and philosophical aspects of childbearing. Nutrition and prevention measures are emphasized. On the average, each prenatal visit with a midwife generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, which gives ample time for women's questions to be answered and concerns to be heard.
It is well documented that women who feel safe and supported during labor experience less pain and require little or no medication. When a woman in labor feels frightened, threatened or stressed, her body releases excessive amounts of chemicals (catecholamines) which can cause fetal distress and slow the progress of labor.
How a woman is treated, and how much support she receives in labor can directly influence the length of her labor and the health of her baby. Her midwife provides active guidance and support during labor. Through her respect for the natural process of childbirth, she can instill confidence in the laboring woman.
Bonding between parents and the newborn has been well studied and its importance documented. Midwives actively encourage the bonding process, knowing that early and continuous contact with the newborn promotes the success of breastfeeding, increases the parents' self-confidence, and strengthens family bonds. Healthy interaction between parents and baby, begun in the immediate postpartum, help prevent later dysfunctional relationships. Midwives help facilitate such healthy family interactions.
The health and social benefits of breastfeeding are widely recognized. The success and maintenance of breastfeeding is often dependent on the presence of a supportive and knowledgeable caregiver. Lactation consultants report that women cared for by midwives seldom seem to encounter serious breastfeeding problems. However, midwives refer to lactation consultants when there are problems they cannot correct.
The first weeks with a new baby can be filled with delight and frustration. Many new parents feel isolated and confused by the demands of their baby, combined with the stresses of physical and emotional recovery from birth. Most midwives are available in the early postpartum weeks to check on the mother's and baby's health, facilitate the father's or partner's participation and help with family adjustment. Contact with their midwife in the first days after birth helps parents adjust to the enormous changes in their lives, integrate the experience of labor and birth, and bolster their confidence in their ability to parent.

Types of Midwives
Midwifery across the United States has been a self-regulating profession due to the lack of legislative support. As an autonomous profession midwifery has consistently maintained high statistics in safety and health of mothers and babies. In California, as in many other states, there are several types of midwives who practice in a variety of settings; in hospitals, birth centers, and at home. While most midwives are women, men can also practice as midwives. The following descriptions outline the differences in training and practice among midwives.

A Midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program fully recognized in the jurisdiction in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery.

The availability of midwifery will increase as the childbearing public understands the need for and insists upon being cared for by midwives.

A Licensed Midwife (LM) in California has successfully completed a three year post-secondary midwifery education program, or has met such requirements through a challenge exam process. In addition the LM has successfully completed a comprehensive licensing exam provided by the California Medical Board which is equivalent, but not identical to the exam given by the American College of Nurse Midwives. Most LMs provide homebirth and birth center services, which include water births.

A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) has met the criteria for experience and education, and has successfully completed the certification exam provided by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).  Most Licensed Midwives in California also hold the CPM credential.

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced training in midwifery. The nurse-midwife must complete a two-year post-secondary course of study in an accredited education program and pass an exam administered by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).

A Midwife’s Scope of Practice
A Midwife must be able to provide the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labor and postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility, and to care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventive measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in the mother and child, the procurement of medical assistance, and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help.
A Midwife has an important task, as a counselor and an educator, not only for clients, but also for the family and community.. The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and extends to certain areas of gynecology, family planning and childcare.
A Midwife may practice in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary conditions or any other service.

Childbirth Education
There are many different childbirth education classes offered that include information on:

• Proactive prevention of problems in pregnancy.
• Early and scrupulous attention to nutrition and exercise.
• Careful attention to the emotional aspects of pregnancy birth and parenthood.
• Respecting the natural process of birth as much as possible.
• Avoiding interventions whenever possible.
• Breastfeeding as most optimal for the health of the baby and the mother.

Childbirth Educators promote birth as a normal, natural and empowering process, one that can be experienced as a joyous, positive and life-enhancing event when a woman has educated herself on all of the choices available to her for this special time in her life.
Childbirth Education includes the knowledge of the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of giving birth, and a deeper awareness of our bodies and our strength as women. Preparing yourself for this special moment in your life is important, because it will give you the confidence and resources to deal with this physically challenging and rewarding experience.

Childbirth Education for a Home Birth
These classes should focus on birth as a natural process and emphasize partner and family preparation, they focus on working with the body, staying grounded and developing a positive pain coping mindset in addition to the physiology of labor and birth, when to call the midwife and pain coping practices, baby care, nursing and postpartum care. Often midwives will teach their own courses or work with others who work well in the homebirth community.
Options for out of hospital classes are Hypnobabies, Bradley and Birthing From Within courses as well as courses taught by individual midwives.

Childbirth Education for a Hospital Birth
Any type of class is appropriate for expectant parents if they do decide to give birth in a hospital. Expectant parents are not limited in their choices and can enroll in classes in or outside of the hospital, though most hospitals offer their own courses. The subject matter of these classes are regulated by each individual hospital administration. Usually, the focus is on the basic Prenatal Exercise, the Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy/Delivery, the Labor and Delivery process, what to expect in the Hospital, questions regarding the administration of Anesthetics and/or Other Medications, when to go to the hospital, the use of Vacuum/Forceps, what to expect if an episiotomy is required, what to expect if a Cesarean Section is deemed necessary, if you are Preterm Labor/Delivery or if you have preterm labor or Postpartum Depression.

Childbirth Education for the Expectant Teen
Currently the classes that cater specifically to expectant teens are generally offered through high school programs that work with teen moms. Teens are welcome in any class setting whether it is classes in a hospital, community or private classes through midwives. Teens find it helpful when they are supported by a family member or friend. Most instructors make allowances for financial difficulties and some even offer free classes for teen mothers. If possible, locate a class that emphasizes birth and motherhood as an emotional experience.

Childbirth Education for the New Siblings
Many instructors gear their courses towards siblings to be. The birth of a new baby is an important event in the life of your family. These hands-on classes that assist children adjust to the arrival of a new brother or sister. Newborn safety, feelings, & what the baby will look like are discussed. Both parents are encouraged to attend. To locate a class near you, contact instructors individually. Many times classes are not listed but available.

Childbirth Education for the Expectant Mother
There are many options for the expectant mother. Expectant parents are not limited in their choices and can take classes in private or group settings. There are a variety of classes that emphasize natural birth, classes that are information based, and classes that emphasize the creative side of birth and classes that promote pain free birth. Most Childbirth Educators or birth centers offer their own courses. Usually, the focus is on the basic Prenatal Exercise, the Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy/Delivery, the Labor and Delivery process, what to expect before, during and after delivery of your baby, what to expect if it is necessary to be admitted to a hospital, what to expect if an episiotomy is required, what to expect if a Cesarean Section is deemed necessary, if you are Preterm Labor/Delivery or if you have preterm labor or Postpartum

Depression.
Childbirth Education for the New Father
Apart from traditional classes that emphasize the needs of mother and baby, dads can locate classes termed “daddy boot camp” that create an atmosphere that is lively and comfortable for most men. The emphasis is on practical fathering skills such as changing diapers, getting babies to sleep, caring for a baby as well as the new mother.

 
Doula
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek term meaning "a woman caregiver of another woman."

What is A Doula?
A doula is a woman who has an education and experience assisting women through the childbirth process. They will also help with positioning and movement which assists in the descent of the baby and pain management for the mom. Doulas pay special attention to the woman during labor and will not leave them during this time. Doulas are also aware of the memories that a woman will carry with her of the birth and promote a positive birth experience.

Birth Doula
A birth doula, or professional labor assistant, provides labor support, and some prenatal/postpartum services. A birth doula is experienced in birth and knows how to provide physical, emotional and informational support to a woman and her partner during labor and birth. Studies have shown that using a birth doula can: shorten labor, reduce the use of pain medications and augmentation of labor (pitocin), as well as increase a woman's satisfaction with her birth, enhance bonding and breastfeeding success, and reduce postpartum depression.

PostPartum Doula
A postpartum doula helps the new family make the transition into parenthood. She offers physical, emotional and informational support and shares her experience in working with babies. Postpartum doulas help with cooking, light housekeeping, assisting with siblings, as well as, providing breastfeeding support and basic baby care tips. The supportive ear and attentive eye of the postpartum doula can help to ease the worries of the first weeks of motherhood and to connect the family to resources and information. Partners also benefit from postpartum doula help by freeing them to be able to spend more time with mom and baby.