A few friends have shared their intense childbirth experiences, recounting tales of extreme discomfort and tearing while bringing their babies into the world. It’s a little cringe-inducing, and it makes me want to roll my eyes at anyone who thinks they understand pain without having gone through labor. But a hospital in the UK has discovered a method that could lead to better outcomes for mothers and their perineums.
At Medway Maritime Hospital, they’ve made a significant shift by no longer instructing women on when to push. Instead of feeling like they’re part of a rowing team with constant commands during labor, women are encouraged to listen to their bodies and take their time. This trust in a woman’s inherent knowledge of her body has led to a dramatic reduction in tearing, dropping from 7% to an astonishing 1% over a year.
Laboring mothers are also invited to try various positions beyond just lying on their backs. Many women report that being on their backs during labor feels unnatural and often prefer to adopt positions that are more comfortable, such as being on all fours, standing, or squatting. Research shows that lying on your back can reduce blood flow and narrow the pelvis by up to 20%, increasing the likelihood of tearing or requiring an episiotomy. The World Health Organization has even labeled this position as “clearly harmful.”
Midwives at Medway have also introduced techniques to better support the perineum during labor. They allow the baby to emerge gradually rather than pulling them out immediately after the shoulders are free. By applying counter-pressure to the perineal area during crowning, they have seen a further decline in tearing incidents.
Of course, if a mother or child is experiencing distress or if complications arise, midwives are trained to intervene appropriately rather than simply saying, “We can’t tell her to push.” Birth typically unfolds without serious issues, and trained professionals are present to handle any complications that may occur.
The success of this new approach has been so noteworthy that findings have been published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, prompting other hospitals to consider adopting similar practices. The UK plans to implement this policy on a national scale due to the solid evidence supporting favorable outcomes, which should be a relief for many women as safer methods for labor and childbirth are increasingly embraced. It raises the question: should women thank their healthcare providers or just say, “Well, obviously”?
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Summary
Medway Maritime Hospital in the UK has revolutionized childbirth practices by allowing women to listen to their bodies and push when they feel ready, leading to a significant decrease in perineal tearing. Encouraging various labor positions and applying counter-pressure techniques have contributed to better outcomes for mothers. This new approach is being recognized and could transform labor practices nationally.