1. Technology and Society
Impact of Technology on Childbirth
Image:
This does not include discriminatory practices against women of various races or low income women or treatment of insured vs non-insured or those who use medicaid

2. Conception Fertility Drugs Artificial Insemination Test-tube baby
Cloning
image:

3. Pregnancy Monitoring Fetal Surgery Blood Tests Urine Tests Ultrasound
DNA Tests
Fetal Surgery
Image:

4. Scheduled Delivery Inducing labor early Planned C-section.
Based on Ultrasound determined weight
“Late Birth” based on Due Date estimate
Planned C-section.
For convenience of mother, doctor (when not medically necessary)
Image:

5. Managed Labor/ Cascade of Intervention
Hospital Setting
Monitors, IVs
Loss of privacy/control of environment
Psychological effects, stress
Timing/Duration
Inducing drugs, breaking the membranes
Length of labor/artificial deadlines
Birth Process
Pain killing drugs – Epidural ( US rate 90%+)
Position, lack of ability to move freely
Episiotomy
Forceps, Suction
C-section – ( US rate >25%)
Image:
Cascade of Intervention:

6. Side Effects? Postoperative Complications Effects on Nursing the baby
Infections of baby or mother
Continued pain
Effects on Nursing the baby
Effects of epidural, C-section, drugs
Social customs that play a role
Nursing only for poor, negative body image
Working moms: Pumping/Freezing
60% try, 20% after 2-4 months, Less than 5% at a year.
Postpartum Depression
Infant/Mother Mortality
Image:

7. Questioning the Model
Is childbirth a disease/illness that needs medical intervention?
How much intervention is needed? Is technology serving us or interfering with a natural process?
Image:
Evidence Based Maternity Care?

8. Cesareans Gone Wild?

9. The Rise in Cesarean Rates

10. Caesareans around the World
Lowest: Netherlands holding steady between 13 – 14% from 2001 to 2010
Low: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Israel all holding steady around 16% from 2001 to 2010
High: Australia, Germany, Korea, Switzerland, USA all above 30% by 2010
Highest:Mexico and Turkey above 40% by 2010

11. More $$$ = Better Outcomes???
“The United States spends $98 billion annually on hospitalization for pregnancy and childbirth, but the US maternal mortality rate has doubled in the past 25 years. The U.S. ranks 50th in the world for maternal mortality, meaning 49 countries were better at keeping new mothers alive.” Huffington Post
Web site:
Image:

12. Alternatives/Adjuncts
Hospital/Birthing Center/Home
Privacy/Calm Environment
Mother-centered practices
Midwife/Doula/Doctor
Guided Breathing/Relaxation
Alternate Positions/Birthing Chair
Hypnobirthing
Water birth
Images:
Deadly Delivery by Amnesty International