Decades of research show that outcomes of care provided by certified nurse-midwives compare favorably to care provided by physicians. In recent studies, multiple outcomes were examined comparing care provided by certified nurse-midwives and physician colleagues. The results determined that women cared for by CNMs of the same risk status that were cared for by physicians had lower cesarean birth rates, lower rates of labor induction and augmentation, significant reduction in the number of third and fourth degree perineal tears, lower epidural usage, and higher breastfeeding rates.

Over the past three decades, the cesarean section rate has sky rocketed to over 33%, meaning one in three women will experience a surgical birth. We are proud to report that Baylor University Medical Center, where the midwives attend births, boasts the lowest cesarean section rate among the five largest hospitals in Dallas County. Over the past five years, family centered cesareans have become more common and accepted by local hospitals and physicians. In most cases, when a cesarean is indicated, BUMC and our care team support immediate skin to skin and family bonding in the operating room. 

Did you know Nitrous Oxide is a great alternative to IV pain medication and epidurals and is available at Baylor University Medical Center? It is considered safe to use in labor at low doses and helps with anxiety and pain management during labor.

Studies show that hydrotherapy and water immersion during labor may reduce pain, length of labor, improve satisfaction with the birth experience, and may decrease the likelihood of tearing. Research shows there is not an increased risk of infection, or any differences in the baby’s transition after birth for women who labor in water during the first stage of labor.  

Placing the baby directly skin to skin helps transition the baby to life outside the womb, regulate baby’s temperature and stabilizes the baby’s blood sugars. Skin to skin also encourages breastfeeding and bonding. Good news: Dads can do it too!

Research shows that women who are mobile and allowed to eat and drink in labor have shorter labors as well as higher maternal satisfaction rates. Dallas Midwife Associates encourage movement during labor and offer intermittent fetal monitoring for low risk clients. For Clients requiring continuous fetal monitoring, the Monica wireless fetal monitor system is available at BUMC. 

Delayed cord clamping has been shown to have many benefits. It allows more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby, increasing the baby’s blood volume by up to one third! It also increases iron storage, which is essential for healthy brain development and provides stem cells from the placenta to the baby. Some families choose to bank their baby’s cord blood, which we can discuss further at your appointment.