It is startling to realize that many doctors in this country are using unstudied, unproven techniques and interventions on a routine basis, on unsuspecting patients - women in childbirth! A recent study has outlined a number of issues with the common high-tech practices employed in American hospitals, pointing out that low-intervention births are far safer for mom and baby. They are also, of course, much cheaper.
Consumer Reports has an excellent, concise article regarding the study and the difference between high-tech and high-touch births. The Consumer Reports Maternity Care Quiz is also eye-opening. Another report, from USA Today, following this study illustrates just why doctors and hospitals are so eager to intervene: profit.
There are so many reasons to follow an evidence-based protocol for birth, and so few motivations for the high-tech, low-touch style of birth common in this country today. I hope that the publicity of studies such as this will empower mothers to demand the type of care they deserve, and encourage caregivers to step up to the mark and give the best, high-touch care possible.
