Alternate Birth Strategies

Abstract

Julie R Whittington,1 Taylor Ghahremani,2 Megan Whitham,3 Amy M Phillips,2 Bethany N Spracher,4 Everett F Magann2 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA; 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USACorrespondence: Everett F Magann, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4301 W. Markham St. Slot # 518, Little Rock, AR, 72205-7199, USA, Tel [phone], Fax [phone], Email [email protected]: Community birth is defined as birth that occurs outside the hospital setting. Birthing in a birth center can be safe for certain patient populations. Home birth can also be safe in well-selected patient with a well-established transfer infrastructure should an emergency occur. Unfortunately, many areas of the United States and the world do not have this infrastructure, limiting access to safe community birth. Immersion during labor has been associated with decreased need for epidural and pain medication. Delivery should not occur in water due to concerns for infection and cord avulsion. Umbilical cord non-severance (also called lotus birth) and placentophagy should be counseled against due to well-documented risks without clear benefit. Birth plans and options should be regularly discussed during pregnancy visits.Keywords: home birth, community birth, water birth, immersion in labor, placentophagy, maternal outcomes, perinatal outcomes

Keywords

• home birth
• community birth
• water birth
• immersion in labor
• placentophagy
• maternal outcomes
• perinatal outcomes