Five Points Presented in the New Joint Statement from MANA and CfM

Last week, the Midwives Alliance of North America and the Citizens for Midwifery creted a joint statement on Water Immersion During Labor and Birth.  

This joint statement was based on a new study, which was based on 18000 births, 35% of which were waterbirths.

The joint statement focused on the following: 

1. Benefits for mothers
2. Benefits for babies
3. In 6521 waterbirths, no deaths were attributed to being born in water.
4. May reduce unnecessary interventions and support physiologic birth, which may be especially
   
   beneficial to women of color
5. Includes guidelines for safety

One of the most important points of the joint statement, and also of the ICEA Position Paper on Water Labor/Water Birth is the implication for informed/shared decision making. When expectant parents are well-versed in their childbirthing options and their health status and work in concert with informed care providers, it becomes a win-win situation.

To read more about the joint statement, click here.