South Jersey Birth Network
How can BirthNetwork help me?
BirthNetwork provides information and support so you can make educated choices about the kind of maternity care you want to receive. Our FREE childbirth preparation classes feature topics to equip mothers and birth partners to make informed decisions on a variety of topics related to healthy maternity care and birth. A variety of resources are available, including a lending library and informational handouts. Join us for free childbirth preparation classes on the first Tuesday of every month. Topics include comfort measures, rights of childbearing women, options available during labor/birth, and much more.
Does BirthNetwork advocate a certain method of birth?
BirthNetwork’s goal is to present women with foundational knowledge about research-based, best-practice maternity care. The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) has clearly outlined the key components of evidenced-based care. Based on the belief that birth is not an illness or risky condition that requires routine intervention, mother-friendly birth encourages birth to happen with continuous physical and emotional support and without unnecessary intervention.
Does BirthNetwork recommend a certain type of provider or birth setting?
BirthNetwork promotes mother-friendly care in any setting: birth center, home and hospital. Birth has been proven to be safe in all of these settings.
Is there evidence to support the practice of medically managed birth for a low-risk woman?
Medical management of labor involves the use of interventions, which may include a time limit on labor, I.V. Fluids, induction of labor, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, artificial rupture of membranes, drugs to speed up labor, episiotomy, cesarean section, early cord cutting and separation of mother and baby. Oftentimes routine interventions may cause the problems they are designed to correct or avoid. Most women do not need labor/birth medically managed. There are times, however, when specific interventions may be appropriate and useful if medically necessary.
Contact Anna at South Jersey BirthNetwork for more information, sjbirthnetwork@hotmail.com or 856-498-5620.