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What is BirthNetwork National? BirthNetwork National is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) consumer advocacy organization committed to promoting mother-friendly pregnancy and childbirth. It is based on the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services' Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (MFCI). How did BirthNetwork National begin? BirthNetwork National began in October 1999 when five mothers started brainstorming on how to improve maternity care in their local community. BirthNetwork National is based on the MFCI, which outlines the principles of mother-friendly care in order to promote the safest, healthiest and most cost-effective maternity care. What is BirthNetwork National's Purpose? The mission of BirthNetwork National is to promote the awareness and availability of mother-friendly maternity care. BirthNetwork National is leading a grassroots movement based on the belief that birth can profoundly affect our physical, mental and spiritual well-being. BirthNetwork National advocates mother-friendly care, as defined by the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative. By making informed choices and having confidence in the process, families can experience safe and satisfying childbirth. So what does BirthNetwork DO? To promote the awareness of mother-friendly maternity care, BirthNetwork National chapters conduct free meetings where chapter leaders or speakers present on various topics related to pregnancy, birth and the post-partum period. BirthNetwork National offers additional outreach opportunities including birth fairs, conferences and educational curriculum. To promote the availability of mother-friendly maternity care, BirthNetwork National chapters publish a free birth resource guide of maternity providers (midwives, physicians, doulas, educators, etc.) who have endorsed The Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (MFCI). The guides are distributed by local chapters and are also available online. Chapters distribute the guides at various locations such as provider offices, meetings, birth fairs, events, and local libraries. How can BirthNetwork National help me? BirthNetwork National provides information and support so you can make informed choices about the kind of maternity care you want to receive. Our FREE regular meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics related to healthy maternity care and birth and offer the opportunity to meet others interested in mother-friendly maternity care. A variety of resources are available, including a lending library and a newsletter for members. Call 1 888 - 45 - BIRTH or visit us online at www.birthnetwork.org. What is "mother-friendly" birth? Based on the belief that birth is not an illness or risky condition that requires routine intervention, mother-friendly birth encourages birth to happen with continuous physical and emotional support and without unnecessary intervention. Providers who practice mother-friendly birth honor and support the inherent wisdom of a woman's body to birth. Mother-friendly birth practices are outlined in the MFCI. How can I find a care provider that supports this belief? Read the MFCI and use it as a reference when evaluating prospective providers and places to birth. Request a copy of the birth resource guide from your local BirthNetwork National chapter or view it online at www.birthnetwork.org. The guide lists local maternity care providers who have endorsed the MFCI and are BirthNetwork National members. Does BirthNetwork National recommend a certain type of provider or birth setting? BirthNetwork National promotes mother-friendly care in any setting: birth center, home and hospital. Birth has been proven to be safe in all of these settings. Is there evidence to support the practice of medically managed birth for a low-risk woman? Medical management of labor involves the use of interventions, which may include a time limit on labor, I.V. Fluids, induction of labor, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, artificial rupture of membranes, drugs to speed up labor, episiotomy, cesarean section, early cord cutting and separation of mother and baby. Oftentimes routine interventions may cause the problems they are designed to correct or avoid. Most women do not need labor/birth medically managed. There are times, however, when specific interventions may be appropriate and useful if medically necessary. What kind of care provider is the most likely to help me achieve a mother-friendly birth? One whose philosophy and practices are consistent with mother-friendly care. Any qualified birth professional can provide mother-friendly care. Although midwives most commonly care for pregnancy and birth as a normal, healthy event, not all midwives are mother-friendly. What kind of care provider is least likely to help me achieve a mother-friendly birth? One who is not mother-friendly; one whose training, philosophy and practice views pregnancy and birth as an illness or potential medical problem. Although obstetricians are not typically trained to treat pregnancy and birth as a normal, low-risk event, some physicians are mother-friendly. Where is mother-friendly birth most likely to occur? In a setting where the uniqueness of each labor and birth is respected and a woman is supported with the care and comfort she needs. Birth can take place naturally and safely in any setting…it's the kind of care and not the room décor that matters most. It's important to know the policies and protocols for each birth setting and understand the role of informed consent AND informed refusal. Choose a provider and location that best meet your needs. |
About BirthNetwork National |