Making Motherhood Safer

(photo credit: carstenfonsdahl)

In all the technical discussion of how to make motherhood safer, it's easy to lose track of what you actually need for safe birth in a normal pregnancy. It comes down to an environment where the woman feels comfortable (maternal attitude has an impact on birth outcomes), a clean (not sterile) environment, a trained birth attendant - can be a doctor or a midwife, some basic tools, a blanket to wrap the newborn in, and access to emergency care if it's needed. Having a supportive friend there helps improve birth outcomes; so do pictures or evidence of happy, healthy babies.

It's not helpful for women to give birth in surgical suites or emergency rooms; it's uncomfortable for the mother, and it discourages them from bringing a friend or companion. A woman should not give birth alone. No matter what the freebirth folks think, human beings are not designed to give birth by themselves. It's not helpful for a woman to be shouted at or restrained while giving birth.  And a woman should not give birth without privacy, or exposed to the elements.

That's the low-hanging fruit of making motherhood safer. There is a lot that can, and should be done for dangerous pregnancies, difficult childbirths, and fragile infants. But, for a normal preganancy and a healthy baby, the requirements are simple. Protection from harm, a friend, a trained assistant, access to emergency care. Not over-medicalized - no unnecessary c-sections, pitocin, or other interventions. Not under-resourced - essential tools and skills available, a clean environment, a safe space.

It doesn't seem so hard to provide, does it?