Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Fear of Home Birth in Doctors and Obstetric Iatrogenesis


LINK Fear of Home Birth in Doctors and Obstetric Iatrogenesis

Author: Lokugamage, Amali

Source: International Journal of Childbirth, Volume 1, Number 4, 2011 , pp. 263-272(10)

Abstract:
Home births are physiological births and form part of the social model of birth. Doctors, traditionally, have been very fearful of out-of-hospital birth, and physiological births happen less frequently in obstetric units. Normal/physiological birth contributes to improving public health, and doctors are often not aware of the extent of this benefit. Normal birth leads to adaptive physiological function in the baby (endocrine, immune system, thyroid function, respiration, neurology, temperature regulation), more mother and baby bonding, and promotes higher breastfeeding rates, which in turn lead to better lifelong emotional and physical health in babies. Normal birth affirms health, promotes empowerment in mothers, and is a societal event that has been linked to promoting positive emotional qualities in society via the birthing hormone, oxytocin. Training within the medical model constrains doctors' appreciation of normal birth. Experience of complications, a lack of awareness of the evidence surrounding home birth, compounded by failure to understand the concept of iatrogenesis, perpetuates fear of home birth among doctors.
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/springer/ijc/2011/00000001/00000004/art00007


www.theheartinthewomb.com

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 14, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    Dear Joy,

    I hope you found my article useful? Have you heard of the book I have recently written called The Heart in the Womb: An Exploration of the Roots of Human Love and Social Cohesion.
    www.theheartinthewomb.com?

    If you would like to do a book review please contact me through the above web site and I can arrange for a review copy to be sent. The Australian College of Midwives are currently reviewing it.

    Kindest Regards

    Dr Amali Lokugamage FRCOG

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  2. Joy JohnstonMarch 14, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    Thankyou for contacting me, Dr Amali. I found your article fascinating - in fact I am amazed that the message about the huge advantages for mother and baby in physiological birth seems to be so ignored by so many colleagues.

    I would love to review The Heart in the Womb: An Exploration of the Roots of Human Love and Social Cohesion [great book title!]. My email address is joy@aitex.com.au

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