Shared Decision-Making in Childbirthing

The leading reason for hospitalization in the U.S. is childbirthing. Most births occur in hospitals and the country’s high rate of caesarian sections speaks to the fact that evidence-based “best practices” in maternity care are not being followed. The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) and an organization known as Childbirth Connection have documented that few pregnant women are fully informed about these best practices and provided with choices about their care before, during and after the birth. Tonight’s Healthstyles program explores these issues and what women and families can do to ensure better birthing experiences and outcomes. Producer and host Diana Mason, PhD, RN, talks with ACNM’s Tina Johnson, CNM, MS and Childbirth Connection’s Amy Romano, CNM, MSN, about the studies they have conducted and the initiatives they are undertaking to promote fully informed choices in childbirthing. So tune in at 1:00 Pm tonight on WBAI, 99.5 FM (www.wbai.org), or click here to listen to the interview: Romano&Johnson

Healthstyles is sponsored by the Center for Health, Media & Policy at Hunter College.