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New Report Underscores Urgent Need to Revamp Maternity Care, Points Way


Evidence-Based Maternity Care ReportChildbirth Connection, the Reforming States Group (a bipartisan group of health policy leaders from all 50 states) and Milbank Memorial Fund (a prominent health care foundation) recently released a major report -- Evidence-Based Maternity Care: What It Is and What It Can Achieve. It makes clear the case that women fail to receive the type and quality of maternity care that is best for them, despite the fact that top dollar is paid for it and ample evidence exists in support of better care.

While dedicated health professionals practice with good intentions, the U.S. maternity care system is plagued with problems. Many women and babies receive lesser quality maternity care that includes unnecessary procedures, drugs and tests — "overuse," and that fails to include beneficial forms of care — "underuse." The report puts a spotlight on the factors and market influences contributing to what's been called the “Perinatal Paradox: doing more and accomplishing less" (Rosenblatt 1989). In fact, while the U.S. spends much more on health care, it lags behind other developed nations on quality indicators including low birthweight and maternal mortality.

As the most comprehensive study to date of how maternity care is delivered and financed, Evidence-Based Maternity Care highlights examples of how care provided to mothers exposes them to avoidable harm and expense. The good news is that the report points the way to improved care, better health and use of resources. It includes an examination of underused childbirth methods such as continuous labor support, barriers to providing evidence-based maternity care and policy recommendations for overcoming them.

Among the media coverage the report has received is an overview in USA Today –  Maternity-care failings can be remedied with cost-saving fixes. And Consumer Reports features it on their website along with a useful quiz about maternity care – Back to basics for safer childbirth.

Evidence-Based Maternity Care ReportRequest a free copy from Milbank Memorial Fund, or download Evidence-Based Maternity Care and share it with others.


Your donations help us to continue our mission to improve the quality of care for moms and babies. Click here to donate now. Together, we can improve the health of moms and babies.

Wishing you the best,
Childbirth Connection
Most recent page update: 12/4/2008
© 2013 Childbirth Connection. All rights reserved.

Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families.
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Listening to MothersSM III is the third national survey exploring women’s experiences in pregnancy and childbirth. Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to navigate their maternity care.
Access the full report and supplementary materials

New Report: Maternity Care and Liability
Go to report and supporting materials

New Report: The Cost of Having a Baby in the United States
Go to report and supporting materials

New Cesarean Resources:
Go to Best Evidence Report
Go to web pages and booklet for women

 
For 95 years, Childbirth Connection has been dedicated to improving the quality and value of maternity care for all women and their families. Learn more about our rich history through our interactive timeline and give $95 for 95 in honor of our 95th birthday.
 
Childbirth Connection works to ensure that all women and babies get the best possible maternity care. We have the collective vision and we know how to get there, but we can't do it alone. Join the transformation today.

 
The Transforming Maternity Care website focuses on maternity care system improvements designed to engage diverse stakeholders in quality improvement efforts. The site offers full access to the landmark reports 2020 Vision and Blueprint for Action, features a Blog, and other resources such as an Action Center, a database of quality improvement projects, an interactive data center, and many more tools for advocates and stakeholders.

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