Understanding how midwives employed by the National Health Service facilitate women's alternative birthing choices: Findings from a feminist pragmatist study.

UK legislation and government policy favour women's rights to bodily autonomy and active involvement in childbirth decision-making including the right to decline recommendations of care/treatment. However, evidence suggests that both women and maternity professionals can face challenges enacting decisions outside of sociocultural norms. This study explored how NHS midwives facilitated women's alternative physiological birthing choices-defined in this study as 'birth choices that go outside of local/national maternity guidelines or when women decline recommended treatment of care, in the pursuit of a physiological birth'. The study was underpinned by a feminist pragmatist theoretical framework and narrative methodology was used to collect professional stories of practice via self-written narratives and interviews. Through purposive and snowball sampling, a diverse sample in terms of age, years of experience, workplace settings and model of care they operated within, 45 NHS midwives from across the UK were recruited. Data were analysed using narrative thematic that generated four themes that described midwives' processes of facilitating women's alternative physiological births: 1. Relationship building, 2. Processes of support and facilitation, 3. Behind the scenes, 4. Birth facilitation. Collectively, the midwives were involved in a wide range of alternative birth choices across all birth settings. Fundamental to their practice was the development of mutually trusting relationships with the women which were strongly asserted a key component of safe care. The participants highlighted a wide range of personal and advanced clinical skills which was framed within an inherent desire to meet the women's needs. Capturing what has been successfully achieved within institutionalised settings, specifically how, maternity providers may benefit from the findings of this study.

Profile on childbirth care at a public maternity hospital / Perfil da assistência ao parto em uma maternidade pública

Abstract Objectives: to describe the profile on childbirth care at a reference maternity hospital in the State of Piauí based on the 2018 World Health Organization Recommendations. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional quantitative study, descriptive documentary, population census, containing vaginal deliveries performed in 2017. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel for simple statistical analysis. Results: the percentages registered at the Centro Obstétrico Superior (Superior Obstetric Center) and Centro de Parto Normal (Normal Delivery Center) were, respectively, 85.5% and 98% with the presence of a companion, 34.2% and 94% used the partogram, 63.8% and 98% took non-pharmacological methods for pain relief, 74.8% and 98.7% received fluids during labor. Amniotomy at 15.2% and 17.2%, oxytocin was administered at 26.5% and 14.6% in the 1st and 2nd periods, non-lithotomic position at 39.7% and 93.4%, episiotomy 9.9% and 6.6%. After birth, 85.5% and 96% of newborns had skin-to-skin contact and, in 65.5% and 94% there were maternal breastfeeding promotion. Conclusions: this study comprehended the indicators on childbirth care service, which are, in general, better than the national and the northeast region ones. The importance of registering indicators to evaluate care is emphasized.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever o perfil da assistência ao parto em uma maternidade de referência do estado do Piauí, a partir das Recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde de 2018. Métodos: estudo quantitativo transversal retrospectivo, descritivo documental, população censitária, contendo os partos vaginais realizados em 2017. Os dados foram inseridos no Microsoft Excel para análise estatística simples. Resultados: os percentuais registrados no Centro Obstétrico e Centro de Parto Normal foram, respectivamente, 85,5% e 98% da presença de acompanhante, 34,2% e 94% utilizaram partograma, 63,8% e 98% métodos não-farmacológicos para alívio da dor, 74,8% e 98,7% receberam líquidos durante o trabalho de parto. Amniotomia em 15,2% e 17,2%, ocitocina foi administrada em 26,5% e 14,6% no 1° e 2a períodos, posição não-litotômica em 39,7% e 93, 4%, episiotomia 9,9% e 6,6%. Após o nascimento, 85, 5% e 96% dos recém-nascidos em contato pele a pele e, em 65,5% e 94% houve promoção do aleitamento materno. Conclusões: este estudo permitiu conhecer os indicadores de assistência ao parto do serviço, que de maneira geral estão melhores que os indicadores nacionais e da região nordeste. Ressalta-se a importância do registro de indicadores para a avaliação da assistência.

Factors associated with obstetric interventions in public maternity hospitals / Fatores associados a intervenções obstétricas em maternidades públicas

Abstract Objectives: to identify the prevalence and factors associated with obstetric interventions in parturients assisted in public maternity hospitals. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 344 puerperal women, from two public maternity hospitals, referring to childbirth by Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (Public Health Service System) in Londrina City, Paraná, Brazil, between January and June 2017. The medical records were the data source. The following obstetric interventions were considered: oxytocin use, artificial rupture of the membranes, instrumental childbirth and episiotomy. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to analyze associated factors, with p<5% being significant. Results: the prevalence of obstetric intervention was 55.5%, the maximum number of interventions in the same parturient woman was three. The most frequent interventions were the use of oxytocin (50.0%) and artificial rupture of membranes (29.7%). The variables associated on maternal disease (p=0.005) and intrapartum meconium (p=0.022) independently increased, the risk of obstetric intervention, while dilation was equal to or greater than 5 cm at admission, there was a protective factor against this outcome (p=0.030). Conclusion: the prevalence of obstetric interventions was high. In the case of maternal disease and intrapartum meconium, special attention should be given to the parturient woman, in order to avoid unnecessary interventions. Thus, the maternity hospitals need to review their protocols, seeking good practices in childbirth care.

Resumo Objetivos: identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados a intervenções obstétricas em parturientes atendidas em maternidades públicas. Métodos: estudo transversal, com 344 puérperas, de duas maternidades públicas, referência ao parto pelo Sistema Único de Saúde no município de Londrina, Paraná, Brasil, entre janeiro e junho de 2017. Constituíram fonte de dados os prontuários hospitalares. As seguintes intervenções obstétricas foram consideradas: uso de ocitocina, rotura artificial das membranas, parto instrumental e realização de episiotomia. Para análise dos fatores associados utilizou-se a regressão multivariada de Poisson, sendo significativo p<5%. Resultados: a prevalência de intervenção obstétrica foi de 55,5%, o número máximo de intervenções em uma mesma parturiente foi três. As intervenções mais frequentes foram o uso de ocitocina (50,0%) e a rotura artificial das membranas (29,7%). As variáveis doença materna associada (p=0,005) e mecônio intraparto (p=0,022) aumentaram, de maneira independente, o risco de intervenção obstétrica, enquanto que a dilatação igual ou superior a 5 cm na internação constituiu fator de proteção a esse desfecho (p= 0,030). Conclusão: a prevalência de intervenções obstétricas foi elevada. Na vigência de doença materna e de mecônio intraparto, especial atenção deve ser dedicada à parturiente, para que sejam evitadas intervenções desnecessárias, assim as maternidades precisam rever seus protocolos, buscando as boas práticas de atenção ao parto.

Water Birth Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Among Midwifery Clients in Alberta, Canada, from 2014 to 2017: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate retrospectively the maternal and neonatal outcomes of water births (WBs) managed by Registered Midwives in Alberta compared with traditional or "land" vaginal birth outcomes for clinical evidence or knowledge and to assist in health care management planning. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes of WB (1716) and traditional or land birth (non-WB) (21 320) from selected low-risk maternal cohorts with spontaneous onset of labour and vaginal delivery in Alberta (2014-2017) using Alberta Perinatal Health Program data sets. Anonymized client and patient records linked the Alberta Perinatal Health Program data with inpatient Discharge Abstract Database for newborn and/or maternal personal health number (PHN/ULI) analyzed using SPSS 19.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: The WB group had fewer and less severe perineal lacerations despite increased macrosomia. The non-WB group had increased maternal factors (age <20 years, third- to fourth-degree perineal tears, excessive blood loss) and neonatal factors (Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes and neonatal intensive care unit admission). No significant difference was identified between the birth groups for maternal age >35 years, primiparous status, maternal fever, maternal puerperal infection, maternal intensive care unit admission, low birth weight, neonatal resuscitation, and neonatal intensive care unit admission <28 days of life. CONCLUSIONS: A low-risk maternal cohort of WBs (1716) managed by midwives had equivalent or improved neonatal outcomes compared with a low-risk maternal cohort of land or traditional births (21 320) managed by midwives and other maternity providers.

Obstetric practices performed by nurse-midwives of a hospital natural birth center / Prácticas obstétricas en centro de parto normal intrahospitalario realizadas por enfermeras obstetras / Práticas obstétricas em centro de parto normal intra-hospitalar realizadas por enfermeiras obstetras

Abstract Objectives: To characterize the practices used by nurse-midwives in a Natural Birth Center (NBC) and to verify the maternal and neonatal outcomes. Method: This was a cross-sectional, documentary, retrospective study with a quantitative approach in which the medical records of 300 parturients who gave birth in a state hospital in the city of São Paulo were analyzed. The categories of the World Health Organization (WHO) composed the criteria adopted for the analysis of the obstetric practices. Fisher's exact test or the likelihood ratio and Student t-test were used. Results: The nurse-midwives mostly used category A practices of the WHO. There were no statistically significant associations between practices and perineal outcomes. There was a statistically significant association between the weight of the newborn and the number of neonatal complications, as well as between the delivery position of the primiparous women and clavicle fractures of the newborns. Conclusion and Implications for the practice: Evidence-based practices were followed by the nurse-midwives in the NBC analyzed. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were adequate. There is a need to improve care in the second stage of the delivery in order to avoid behaviors that reflect in neonatal complications. The study makes it possible to reflect on the importance of the continuous evaluation of the care provided.

Resumen Objetivos: Caracterizar las prácticas utilizadas por las enfermeras obstetras en un Centro de Parto Normal (CPN) y verificar los resultados maternos y neonatales. Método: Estudio transversal, documental, retrospectivo, con abordaje cuantitativo, en el cual fueron analizados prontuarios de 300 parturientas que dieron a luz en hospital público de la ciudad de São Paulo. Los criterios adoptados para el análisis de las prácticas obstétricas fueron las categorías de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Fueron utilizadas las pruebas, exacto de Fisher o razón de verosimilitud (Likelihood Ratio) y t-Student. Resultados: Las enfermeras obstetras utilizaron mayoritariamente las prácticas de la categoría A de la OMS. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las asociaciones entre las prácticas y los resultados perineales. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el peso del recién nacido y el número de intercurrencias neonatales, así como entre las posiciones de parto de las primíparas con la fractura de clavícula de los recién nacidos. Conclusión e Implicaciones para la práctica: Las prácticas basadas en evidencias son seguidas por las enfermeras obstetras en el CPN analizado. Los resultados maternos y neonatales se mostraron adecuados. Es necesario mejorar la asistencia en el segundo período del parto para evitar conductas que reflejen en las interacciones neonatales. El estudio posibilita la reflexión sobre la importancia de la evaluación continuada de la asistencia prestada.

Resumo Objetivos: Caracterizar as práticas utilizadas pelas enfermeiras obstetras em um Centro de Parto Normal (CPN) e verificar os desfechos maternos e neonatais. Método: Estudo transversal, documental, retrospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Analisaram-se prontuários de 300 parturientes que deram à luz em hospital estadual da cidade de São Paulo. Os critérios adotados para a análise das práticas obstétricas foram as categorias da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Utilizaram-se os testes exatos de Fisher ou razão de verossimilhança (Likelihood Ratio) e t-Student. Resultados: As enfermeiras obstetras utilizaram majoritariamente as práticas da categoria A da OMS. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas associações entre as práticas e os desfechos perineais. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o peso do recém-nascido e o número de intercorrências neonatais e entre as posições de parto das primíparas com a fratura de clavícula dos recém-nascidos. Conclusão e Implicações para a prática: As práticas baseadas em evidências são seguidas pelas enfermeiras obstetras no CPN analisado. Os desfechos maternos e neonatais mostraram-se adequados. Há necessidade de melhorar a assistência no segundo período do parto, evitando condutas que reflitam em intercorrências neonatais. O estudo possibilita a reflexão sobre a importância da avaliação continuada da assistência prestada.

Normal delivery and cesarean section: cost per brazilian regions, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the number of funds made by the Brazilian National Health System to normal delivery and cesarean procedures, according to the Brazilian regions in 2015, and estimate the cost cutting if the recommendation concerning the prevalence of cesarean deliveries by the World Health Organization (10 to 15%) were respected. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian National Health System. The variables considered were the type of delivery (cesarean section and normal), geographic region of admission, length of stay and amount paid for admission in 2015. RESULTS: In the year 2015, there were 984,307 admissions to perform labor in the five Brazilian regions, of which 36.2% were cesarean section. The Northeast and Southeast regions were the two regions that had the highest number of normal deliveries and cesarean sections. The overall average hospital stay for delivery was 3.2 days. About R$ 650 million (US$ 208,5 million) were paid, 45% of the total in cesarean deliveries. If the maximum prevalence proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) were considered, there would be a potential reduction in spending in the order of R$ 57.7 million (US$ 18,5 million). CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean sections are above the parameter recommended by the WHO in all Brazilian regions. The Northeast and Southeast had the highest total number of normal and cesarean deliveries and thus the greatest potential reduction in estimated costs (69.6% of all considered reduction).

Normal delivery and cesarean section: cost per brazilian regions, 2015

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To describe the number of funds made by the Brazilian National Health System to normal delivery and cesarean procedures, according to the Brazilian regions in 2015, and estimate the cost cutting if the recommendation concerning the prevalence of cesarean deliveries by the World Health Organization (10 to 15%) were respected. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian National Health System. The variables considered were the type of delivery (cesarean section and normal), geographic region of admission, length of stay and amount paid for admission in 2015. RESULTS: In the year 2015, there were 984,307 admissions to perform labor in the five Brazilian regions, of which 36.2% were cesarean section. The Northeast and Southeast regions were the two regions that had the highest number of normal deliveries and cesarean sections. The overall average hospital stay for delivery was 3.2 days. About R$ 650 million (US$ 208,5 million) were paid, 45% of the total in cesarean deliveries. If the maximum prevalence proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) were considered, there would be a potential reduction in spending in the order of R$ 57.7 million (US$ 18,5 million). CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean sections are above the parameter recommended by the WHO in all Brazilian regions. The Northeast and Southeast had the highest total number of normal and cesarean deliveries and thus the greatest potential reduction in estimated costs (69.6% of all considered reduction).

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever o montante de recursos pagos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde por procedimentos de parto normal e cesárea, segundo as regiões brasileiras, em 2015, estimando a redução de gastos caso a recomendação da Organização Mundial da Saúde quanto à prevalência de partos cesáreas (10% a 15%) fosse seguida. MÉTODOS: Emprego de dados secundários presentes no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde. As variáveis consideradas foram: tipo de parto (cesárea e normal), região geográfica de ocorrência, tempo de permanência hospitalar e valor da Autorização de Internação Hospitalar paga, em 2015. RESULTADOS: No ano de 2015 ocorreram 984.307 internações para realização de parto nas cinco regiões brasileiras, sendo 36,2% de partos por cesárea. Nordeste e Sudeste foram as duas regiões que se destacaram, com os maiores números de partos normais e cesáreas. A média geral em dias de internação para parto nas cinco regiões foi de 3,2 dias. Foram pagos aproximadamente R$ 650 milhões (US$ 208,5 milhões), 45% desse total em partos cesáreas. Caso o parâmetro máximo proposto pela Organização Mundial da Saúde fosse considerado, haveria uma redução potencial de gastos na ordem de R$ 57,7 milhões (US$ 18,5 milhões). CONCLUSÕES: Os partos cesáreas estão acima do parâmetro recomendado em todas as regiões brasileiras. As regiões Nordeste e Sudeste se destacaram por representar potencialmente a maior redução na estimativa de gastos (69,6% de toda a redução considerada).

[Characterization of access to normal childbirth care in Bahia State, Brazil, based on graph theory]. / Caracterização do acesso à assistência ao parto normal na Bahia, Brasil, a partir da teoria dos grafos.

Origin-destination flow is a phenomenon that can be modeled as a network. Graph theory is a mathematical tool to characterize a network and thus allows studying the topological properties and temporal and spatial development of a set of related elements. The article aims to estimate the topological evolution of an inter-municipal network of normal deliveries. We selected the admissions for normal deliveries in the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified National Health System, from 2008 to 2014, for women residing in Bahia State, Brazil. The following indices were applied: entry degree (from how many municipalities the women came for childbirth), exit degree (to how many municipalities they left), entry flow (how many women came), exit flow (how many women left), and the mean size of the exit edge (distance traveled). Analyses between macro-regions used the following indicators: proportion of normal deliveries performed outside the municipality of residence and mean size of the exit edge. The results indicate an increase in deliveries performed outside the municipality of residence, in addition to the persistence of concentration of deliveries in the hub municipalities in the Health Regions, and an increase in the distance between the municipality of residence and the municipality where the delivery took place. The organization of networks for normal childbirth poses an on-going challenge. It is important to analyze the flow of women for childbirth care in order to support the establishment of inter-municipal references to guarantee safe labor and childbirth. In conclusion, it is necessary to develop a regionalized network to meet the demand by pregnant women in the territory with universal and equitable coverage.

O fluxo de origem e destino é um fenômeno que pode ser modelado como uma rede. A teoria dos grafos é uma ferramenta matemática para caracterizar uma rede, desta forma, é possível estudar as propriedades topológicas e o desenvolvimento temporal e espacial de um conjunto de elementos relacionados. Este artigo tem como objetivo estimar a evolução topológica da rede intermunicipal de partos normais. Para tanto, foram selecionadas as internações do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar do Sistema Único de Saúde com o procedimento de parto normal, de 2008 a 2014, das residentes no Estado da Bahia, Brasil. Foram aplicados os índices: grau de entrada (de quantos municípios chegam), grau de saída (para quantos municípios saem), fluxo de entrada (quantas pessoas chegam), fluxo de saída (quantas pessoas saem) e o tamanho médio da aresta de saída (distância percorrida). As análises entre as macrorregiões foram realizadas por meio dos indicadores: proporção de partos normais realizados fora do município de residência e tamanho médio da aresta de saída. Os resultados indicam que houve aumento de partos realizados fora do município de residência, além da permanência da concentração de partos nos municípios sede da Região de Saúde, e aumento da distância entre o município de residência e o município de ocorrência do parto. A organização das redes para parto normal ainda é um desafio a ser superado. É importante analisar o fluxo realizado pelas gestantes, a fim de apoiar a definição das referências intermunicipais com o propósito de garantir o parto e o nascimento seguros. Concluiu-se que é necessário desenvolver uma rede regionalizada para atender às demandas das gestantes nos territórios de forma universal e equânime.

El flujo de origen y destino es un fenómeno que puede ser modelado como una red. La teoría de los grafos es una herramienta matemática para caracterizar una red, de esta forma, es posible estudiar las propiedades topológicas y el desarrollo temporal y espacial de un conjunto de elementos relacionados. El objetivo de este artículo es estimar la evolución topológica de la red intermunicipal de partos normales. Para ello, se seleccionaron los internamientos del Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud con el procedimiento de parto normal, de 2008 a 2014, de residentes en el estado de Bahía, Brasil. Se aplicaron los siguientes índices: grado de entrada (de cuántos municipios llegan), grado de salida (hacia cuántos municipios salen), flujo de entrada (cuántas personas llegan), flujo de salida (cuántas personas salen) y el tamaño medio de la arista de salida (distancia recorrida). Los análisis entre las macrorregiones se realizaron mediante los indicadores: proporción de partos normales realizados fuera del municipio de residencia y tamaño medio de la arista de salida. Los resultados indican que hubo un aumento de partos realizados fuera del municipio de residencia, además de la permanencia de la concentración de partos en los municipios sede de la Región de Salud, y el aumento de la distancia entre el municipio de residencia y el municipio de ocurrencia del parto. La organización de las redes para el parto normal todavía es un desafío que debe ser superado. Es importante analizar el flujo realizado por las gestantes, con el propósito de apoyar la definición de las referencias intermunicipales, a fin de garantizar el parto y el nacimiento seguros. Se concluyó que es necesario desarrollar una red regionalizada para atender a las demandas de las gestantes en los territorios de forma universal y ecuánime.

Caracterização do acesso à assistência ao parto normal na Bahia, Brasil, a partir da teoria dos grafos / Characterization of access to normal childbirth care in Bahia State, Brazil, based on graph theory / Caracterización del acceso a la asistencia en el parto normal en Bahía, Brasil, a partir de la teoría de grafos

O fluxo de origem e destino é um fenômeno que pode ser modelado como uma rede. A teoria dos grafos é uma ferramenta matemática para caracterizar uma rede, desta forma, é possível estudar as propriedades topológicas e o desenvolvimento temporal e espacial de um conjunto de elementos relacionados. Este artigo tem como objetivo estimar a evolução topológica da rede intermunicipal de partos normais. Para tanto, foram selecionadas as internações do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar do Sistema Único de Saúde com o procedimento de parto normal, de 2008 a 2014, das residentes no Estado da Bahia, Brasil. Foram aplicados os índices: grau de entrada (de quantos municípios chegam), grau de saída (para quantos municípios saem), fluxo de entrada (quantas pessoas chegam), fluxo de saída (quantas pessoas saem) e o tamanho médio da aresta de saída (distância percorrida). As análises entre as macrorregiões foram realizadas por meio dos indicadores: proporção de partos normais realizados fora do município de residência e tamanho médio da aresta de saída. Os resultados indicam que houve aumento de partos realizados fora do município de residência, além da permanência da concentração de partos nos municípios sede da Região de Saúde, e aumento da distância entre o município de residência e o município de ocorrência do parto. A organização das redes para parto normal ainda é um desafio a ser superado. É importante analisar o fluxo realizado pelas gestantes, a fim de apoiar a definição das referências intermunicipais com o propósito de garantir o parto e o nascimento seguros. Concluiu-se que é necessário desenvolver uma rede regionalizada para atender às demandas das gestantes nos territórios de forma universal e equânime.

Origin-destination flow is a phenomenon that can be modeled as a network. Graph theory is a mathematical tool to characterize a network and thus allows studying the topological properties and temporal and spatial development of a set of related elements. The article aims to estimate the topological evolution of an inter-municipal network of normal deliveries. We selected the admissions for normal deliveries in the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified National Health System, from 2008 to 2014, for women residing in Bahia State, Brazil. The following indices were applied: entry degree (from how many municipalities the women came for childbirth), exit degree (to how many municipalities they left), entry flow (how many women came), exit flow (how many women left), and the mean size of the exit edge (distance traveled). Analyses between macro-regions used the following indicators: proportion of normal deliveries performed outside the municipality of residence and mean size of the exit edge. The results indicate an increase in deliveries performed outside the municipality of residence, in addition to the persistence of concentration of deliveries in the hub municipalities in the Health Regions, and an increase in the distance between the municipality of residence and the municipality where the delivery took place. The organization of networks for normal childbirth poses an on-going challenge. It is important to analyze the flow of women for childbirth care in order to support the establishment of inter-municipal references to guarantee safe labor and childbirth. In conclusion, it is necessary to develop a regionalized network to meet the demand by pregnant women in the territory with universal and equitable coverage.

El flujo de origen y destino es un fenómeno que puede ser modelado como una red. La teoría de los grafos es una herramienta matemática para caracterizar una red, de esta forma, es posible estudiar las propiedades topológicas y el desarrollo temporal y espacial de un conjunto de elementos relacionados. El objetivo de este artículo es estimar la evolución topológica de la red intermunicipal de partos normales. Para ello, se seleccionaron los internamientos del Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud con el procedimiento de parto normal, de 2008 a 2014, de residentes en el estado de Bahía, Brasil. Se aplicaron los siguientes índices: grado de entrada (de cuántos municipios llegan), grado de salida (hacia cuántos municipios salen), flujo de entrada (cuántas personas llegan), flujo de salida (cuántas personas salen) y el tamaño medio de la arista de salida (distancia recorrida). Los análisis entre las macrorregiones se realizaron mediante los indicadores: proporción de partos normales realizados fuera del municipio de residencia y tamaño medio de la arista de salida. Los resultados indican que hubo un aumento de partos realizados fuera del municipio de residencia, además de la permanencia de la concentración de partos en los municipios sede de la Región de Salud, y el aumento de la distancia entre el municipio de residencia y el municipio de ocurrencia del parto. La organización de las redes para el parto normal todavía es un desafío que debe ser superado. Es importante analizar el flujo realizado por las gestantes, con el propósito de apoyar la definición de las referencias intermunicipales, a fin de garantizar el parto y el nacimiento seguros. Se concluyó que es necesario desarrollar una red regionalizada para atender a las demandas de las gestantes en los territorios de forma universal y ecuánime.

Caracterização da assistência ao parto em adolescentes primigestas no município de cuiabá-mt / Caracterización de la atención al parto en adolescentes primigestas en el municipio de cuiabá-mt / Characterization of pregnancy labor assistance of primigravida adolescents in the city of cuiabá-mt

RESUMO O objetivo foi analisar a assistência ao parto de adolescentes primigestas no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no município de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Estudo transversal, descritivo e documental com amostragem aleatória simples composta por 164 prontuários de puérperas adolescentes coletados por meio de ficha estruturada durante os meses de dezembro de 2012 a maio de 2013. Foi realizada análise descritiva simples dos dados. Os resultados indicaram que o parto cesáreo apresentou taxa de 37,2%, a amniotomia foi adotada em 62,1%, a ocitocina em 53,4% e a episiotomia em 82,4%. A desproporção céfalo-pélvica representou 27,9% das indicações de cesariana e dentre as complicações maternas, a hemorragia destacou-se em ambos os tipos de parto. Conclui-se a existência de uma forte influência do modelo tecnicista sobre os resultados maternos na assistência obstétrica de adolescentes primigestas e que o fato do desconhecimento atrelado à vulnerabilidade deste grupo populacional evidencia a soberania do profissional em relação às decisões obstétricas.

RESUMEN El objetivo ha sido analizar la atención al parto de adolescentes primigestas en el contexto del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en el municipio de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Estudio transversal, descriptivo y documental con muestreo aleatorio simple compuesto de 164 registros médicos de puérperas adolescentes recogidos a través del formulario estructurado durante los meses de diciembre de 2012 hasta mayo de 2013. Fue realizado el análisis descriptivo simple de los datos. Los resultados indicaron que el parto por cesárea ha presentado tasa de 37,2%, la amniotomía fue adoptada en 62,1%, la oxitocina en 53,4% y la episiotomía en 82,4%. La desproporción cefalopélvica ha representado 27,9% de las indicaciones de la cesárea y entre las complicaciones maternas, la hemorragia se ha destacado en ambos tipos de parto. Se concluye que existe una fuerte influencia del modelo técnico sobre los resultados maternos en la atención obstétrica a las adolescentes primigestas y que el hecho del desconocimiento relacionado a la vulnerabilidad de este grupo poblacional evidencia la soberanía del profesional en relación a las decisiones obstétricas.

ABSTRACT It aimed to analyze labor assistance for primigravida adolescents in the context of the Unified Health System (SUS) in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Cross-sectional, descriptive and documental study with a random sample composed of 164 medical records of postpartum adolescent collected through structured file during the months of December 2012 to May 2013. Data were analyzed through simple descriptive analysis. The results indicated that cesarean section showed rate of 37.2%, amniotomy was adopted in 62.1%, oxytocin 53.4% and 82.4% in the episiotomy. Cephalopelvic disproportion represented 27.9% of cesarean section indications and among maternal complications, hemorrhage stood out in both types of delivery. It is concluded that there is a strong influence of the technicist model on maternal outcomes in obstetric care to pregnant adolescents and that the lack of knowledge linked to the vulnerability of this group shows the professional sovereignty in relation to obstetric decisions.

Why won't Polish women birth at home?

Polish women living in the United Kingdom (UK) are statistically more likely to have normal births than their British counterparts, yet anecdotally, do not choose to birth their babies at home. A medicalised approach to birth in their country of origin means women are unaware of the benefits of midwifery-led care, which they often perceive as sub-standard. Affordable travel means Polish women can access care in both countries and compounds the difficulties in acclimatising to UK maternity services. Online discussion groups and Internet forums represent an opportunity for midwives to engage with women to promote their services. This is increasingly important with rising numbers of both Polish migrants to the UK and Polish residents applying for British citizenship.

Evaluating the 'Focus on Normal Birth and Reducing Caesarean section Rates Rapid Improvement Programme': A mixed method study in England.

BACKGROUND: caesarean section plays an important role in ensuring safety of mother and infant but rising rates are not accompanied by measurable improvements in maternal or neonatal mortality or morbidity. The 'Focus on Normal Birth and Reducing Caesarean section Rates Rapid Improvement Programme' was a facilitative initiative developed to promote opportunities for normal birth and reduce caesarean section rates in England. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the 'Focus on Normal Birth and Reducing Caesarean section Rates' programme, by assessment of: impact on caesarean section rates, use of service improvements tools and participants׳ perceptions of factors that sustain or hinder work within participating maternity units. DESIGN: a mixed methods approach included analysis of mode of birth data, web-based questionnaires and in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. PARTICIPANTS: twenty Hospital Trusts in England (selected from 68 who applied) took part in the 'Focus on Normal Birth and Reducing Caesarean section Rates Rapid Improvement Programme' initiative. In each hospital Trust, the head of midwifery, an obstetrician, the relevant lead for organisational development, a supervisor of midwives, or a clinical midwife and a service user representative were invited to participate in the independent evaluation. METHODS: collection and analysis of mode of birth data from 20 participating hospital Trusts, web-based questionnaires administered to key individuals in all 20 Trusts and in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews conducted with key individuals in a sample of six Trusts. FINDINGS: there was a marginal decline of 0.5% (25.9% from 26.4%) in mean total caesarean section rate in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 January 2010 compared to the baseline period (1 July-31 December 2008). Reduced total caesarean section rates were achieved in eight trusts, all with higher rates at the beginning of the initiative. Features associated with lower caesarean section rates included a shared philosophy prioritising normal birth, clear communication across disciplines and strong leadership at a range of levels, including executive support and clinical leaders within each discipline. CONCLUSIONS: it is important that the philosophy and organisational context of care are examined to identify potential barriers and facilitative factors.

Survey of women's experiences of care in a new freestanding midwifery unit in an inner city area of London, England: 2. Specific aspects of care.

OBJECTIVE: to describe and compare women's experiences of specific aspects of maternity care before and after the opening of the Barkantine Birth Centre, a new freestanding midwifery unit in an inner city area. DESIGN: telephone surveys undertaken in late pregnancy and about six weeks after birth. Two separate waves of interviews were conducted, Phase 1 before the birth centre opened and Phase 2 after it had opened. SETTING: Tower Hamlets, a deprived inner city borough in east London, 2007-2010. PARTICIPANTS: 620 women who were resident in Tower Hamlets and who satisfied the Barts and the London Trust's eligibility criteria for using the birth centre. Of these, 259 women were recruited to Phase 1 and 361 to Phase 2. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: the replies women gave show marked differences between the model of care in the birth centre and that at the obstetric unit at the Royal London Hospital with respect to experiences of care and specific practices. Women who initially booked for birth centre care were more likely to attend antenatal classes and find them useful and were less likely to be induced. Women who started labour care at the birth centre in spontaneous labour were more likely to use non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, most notably water and less likely to use pethidine than women who started care at the hospital. They were more likely to be able to move around in labour and less likely to have their membranes ruptured or have continuous CTG. They were more likely to be told to push spontaneously when they needed to rather than under directed pushing and more likely to report that they had been able to choose their position for birth and deliver in places other than the bed, in contrast to the situation at the hospital. The majority of women who had a spontaneous onset of labour delivered vaginally, with 28.6 per cent of women at the birth centre but no one at the hospital delivering in water. Primiparous women who delivered at the birth centre were less likely to have an episiotomy. Most women who delivered at the birth centre reported that they had chosen whether or not to have a physiological third stage, whereas a worrying proportion at the hospital reported that they had not had a choice. A higher proportion of women at the birth centre reported skin to skin contact with their baby in the first two hours after birth. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: significant differences were reported between the hospital and the birth centre in practices and information given to the women, with lower rates of intervention, more choice and significant differences in women's experiences. This case study of a single inner-city freestanding midwifery unit, linked to the Birthplace in England Research Programme, indicates that this model of care also leads to greater choice and a better experience for women who opted for it.

Relationship between complementary and alternative medicine use and incidence of adverse birth outcomes: an examination of a nationally representative sample of 1835 Australian women.

OBJECTIVE: there is evidence of high use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by pregnant women. Despite debate and controversy regarding CAM use in pregnancy there has been little research focus upon the impacts of CAM use on birth outcomes. This paper reports findings outlining the incidence of adverse birth outcomes among women accessing CAM during pregnancy. DESIGN: a survey-based cohort sub-study from the nationally-representative Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) was undertaken in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: women (aged 31-36 years) who identified in 2009 as pregnant or recently given birth (n=2445) from the younger cohort (n=8012) of ALSWH were recruited for the study. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: participants' responses were analysed to examine the relationship between use of CAM and adverse birth outcomes from their most recent pregnancy. Of the respondents (n=1835; 79.2%), there were variations in birth outcomes for the women who used different CAM. Notably, the outcome which was most commonly associated with CAM use was emotional distress. This was found to occur more commonly in women who practised meditation/yoga at home, used flower essences, or consulted with a chiropractor. In contrast, women who consulted with a chiropractor or consumed herbal teas were less likely to report a premature birth, whilst participation in yoga classes was associated with an increased incidence of post partum/intrapartum haemorrhage. KEY CONCLUSIONS: the results emphasise the necessity for further research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of CAM for pregnant women, with a particular focus on birth outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: health professionals providing care need to be aware of the potential birth outcomes associated with CAM use during pregnancy to enable the provision of accurate information to women in their care, and to assist in safely supporting women accessing CAM to assist with pregnancy, labour and birth.

Caseload midwifery compared to standard or private obstetric care for first time mothers in a public teaching hospital in Australia: a cross sectional study of cost and birth outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In many countries midwives act as the main providers of care for women throughout pregnancy, labour and birth. In our large public teaching hospital in Australia we restructured the way midwifery care is offered and introduced caseload midwifery for one third of women booked at the hospital. We then compared the costs and birth outcomes associated with caseload midwifery compared to the two existing models of care, standard hospital care and private obstetric care. METHODS: We undertook a cross sectional study examining the risk profile, birth outcomes and cost of care for women booked into one of the three available models of care in a tertiary teaching hospital in Australia between July 1st 2009 December 31st 2010. To control for differences in population or case mix we described the outcomes for a cohort of low risk first time mothers known as the 'standard primipara'. RESULTS: Amongst the 1,379 women defined as 'standard primipara' there were significant differences in birth outcome. These first time 'low risk' mothers who received caseload care were more likely to have a spontaneous onset of labour and an unassisted vaginal birth 58.5% in MGP compared to 48.2% for Standard hospital care and 30.8% with Private obstetric care (p < 0.001). They were also significantly less likely to have an elective caesarean section 1.6% with MGP versus 5.3% with Standard care and 17.2% with private obstetric care (p < 0.001). From the public hospital perspective, over one financial year the average cost of care for the standard primipara in MGP was $3903.78 per woman. This was $1375.45 less per woman than those receiving Private obstetric care and $1590.91 less than Standard hospital care per woman (p < 0.001). Similar differences in cost were found in favour of MGP for all women in the study who received caseload care. CONCLUSIONS: Cost reduction appears to be achieved through reorganising the way care is delivered in the public hospital system with the introduction of Midwifery Group Practice or caseload care. The study also highlights the unexplained clinical variation that exists between the three models of care in Australia.

Midwifery in Somaliland.

During the civil war in Somaliland (1982-1991), health facilities were devastated and many healthcare workers were killed or became refugees. Since then the country has struggled to rebuild hospitals and health centres and increase the number of healthcare professionals. Many non government officers from a variety of countries are assisting throughout the country. In 2011 I accepted a post establishing the first BSc in midwifery in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. I was employed by Tropical Health Education Trust (THET) in conjunction with Edna Adan University hospital. The students were to be nurse-midwives; the hope was that they would go on to become the movers and shakers in Somaliland. Little did I know how big the challenge would be.

Use of alternative and complementary therapies in labor and delivery care: a cross-sectional study of midwives' training in Catalan hospitals accredited as centers for normal birth.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) during pregnancy is increasing. Scientific evidence for CAM and CAT in the field of obstetrics mainly covers pain relief in labor. Midwives are responsible for labor and delivery care: hence, their knowledge of CAM and CAT is important. The aims of this study are to describe the professional profile of midwives who provide care for natural childbirth in Catalan hospitals accredited as centers for normal birth, to assess midwives' level of training in CAT and their use of these therapies, and to identify specific resources for CAT in labor wards. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative method was used to assess the level of training and use of CAT by midwives working at 28 hospitals in Catalonia, Spain, accredited as public normal birth centers. RESULTS: Just under a third of midwives (30.4%) trained in CAT after completion of basic training. They trained in an average of 5.97 therapies (SD 3.56). The number of CAT in which the midwives were trained correlated negatively with age (r = - 0.284; p < 0.001) and with their time working at the hospital in years (r = - 0.136; p = 0.036). Midwives trained in CAT considered that the following therapies were useful or very useful for pain relief during labor and delivery: relaxation techniques (64.3%), hydrotherapy (84.8%) and the application of compresses to the perineum (75.9%). The availability of resources for providing CAT during normal birth care varied widely from center to center. CONCLUSIONS: Age may influence attitudes towards training. It is important to increase the number of midwives trained in CAM for pain relief during childbirth, in order to promote the use of CAT and ensure efficiency and safety. CAT resources at accredited hospitals providing normal childbirth care should also be standardized.