While at FT Benning I did some side research for one of the CNM's to present to their ESC (excecutive steering committee) the process of waterbirthing. Benning was undergoing renovation of L&D and build a dedicated hydrotherapy tub for the waterbirthing process in a suite. The CNM group there have been champions for this process and successfully seemed to be moving forward. Unfortuneately, infection control (change in leadershp)for the facility was not included during the construction process or was not adequately paying attention so tub was installed but its clinical use held up. Now as centering patients learn about its existence and possible benefits it has created a great deal of disatifaction.
More research needs to be completed but up until now preliminary evidence supports shortening of the first stage of labor, better pain control (decreased analgesia), decreased interventions by healthcare providers, provides a gentler transition for infant to extra uterine life, and empowers mom to be more in control of the birthing process
Some concerns are related to infection control; exposure to blood, feces, and meconium, increased staffing required to safely monitor patients and equity for non-waterbirthing moms, Airway safety/aspiration risks. Finally stategies related to training, protocols, and CPG's.
This is an old and ongoing debate as this is not new, yet I found interesting the facility did not have prior to the actual installation of unit.
Check out www.waterbirthing .org , jump in the water is fine!
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It is great that the Main Land is finally catching up with Tripler! Tripler has allowed water births for many years. I'm surprised that they did not consult them in this project. They are subject matter experts and kin to Fort Benning as a military facility. It is so amazing to see how we strive to become a unified force and excel in patient care and yet we are stingy in sharing the secrets of our success so that it becomes, at least known about if not common and consistent, practice in all DoD facilities. This is not limited to waterbirthing.
ReplyDeleteOf all ancillary services to leave out...how on earth did they overlook that one! Unlike in combat as we learned in MCM that haste is needed often in making decisions...for fixed functional facilities, haste is truly waste on sooooo many levels.
Wonder when they're going to actually fill the tub and start using it!
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