Interesting
Combined Results of 6 Randomized Controlled Trials on Labor Support*
Decrease in :
- Cesarean Section by 50%
- Length of Labor by 25%
- Oxytocin use by 40%
- Pain Medications(narcotics) by 30%
- Forceps use by 40%
- Epidural use by 60%
Other findings indicate a decrease in maternal fever, days in the intensive care unit, and in septic workups. Long-term benefits include improved breastfeeding, increased time spent with baby, decreased postpartum depression and positive maternal assessments of baby’s personality, competence and health.
· summarized from chapter 3 of Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus. New York: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. 1993.
