This page is dedicated to informing you on alternative therapies in the childbearing year, as well as research on various topics impacting the childbearing year. Enjoy!
First things, first
Before asking about the safety of homebirth, find research on the safety of doing such in the hospital – especially in light of current, non-evidence-based practices (if you can find good quality research supporting hospital birthing, I’d love to see it).
ICAN has quite a bit of evidence-based information – the cesarean section rate is over 30%!
All women, not just those who have had a cesarean, should visit ICAN’s web site – to avoid a cesarean – and iatrogenic cesareans happen, even in subsequent births.
Homebirth References
Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America;
Kenneth C Johnson and Betty-Anne Daviss; BMJ 2005;330;1416-
Outcomes of Planned Home Birth: An Integrative Review. Judith T. Fullerton, CNM, PhD, Ana M. Navarro, PhD, and Susan H. Young, MA; J Midwifery Womens Health 2007;52:323–333
Homebirth References and Information Sites
La Partera Y Parto Domiciliario
Ultrasound
Prenatal Care, Routine (Guideline) – Go to Algorithm Annotation 29. Ultrasound (Optional)
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – they apparently gave up due to the prolific use of ultrasound despite the lack of evidence to support its routine use
Q&A: Is ultrasound safe? – Dr. Sarah J. Buckley
Oxygen Use
Hyperoxia may depress breathing in newborns
The Evidence Mounts Against Use of Pure Oxygen in Newborn Resuscitation
Resuscitation of Depressed Newborn Infants with Ambient Air or Pure Oxygen: A Meta-Analysis
Resuscitation of newborn infants with 100% oxygen or air: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Room Air Appears To Do Less Brain Damage Than Pure Oxygen
Miscellaneous
FDA Cautions Against Ultrasound ‘Keepsake’ Images
