My Birth Plan
My Birth Plan and Pregnancy-Related Articles
Abstract
The first part of this Internet assignment is my birth plan, which I would like for my health care provider and other members of the health care team to follow when I go into labor and get admitted to the hospital. The second part consists of personal comments about various articles that I looked up regarding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This assignment also touches a little bit on the purpose of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and consists of a short section about important points made in a clinical update about single-embryo transfers in IVF treatment.
My Birth Plan and Pregnancy-Related Articles A birth plan is …show more content…
important for every woman and her partner to have. Both of them should agree on what they want done during their childbirth experience before giving the birth plan to the doctor and before getting admitted to the hospital for labor. A birth plan helps the health care team provide better care and service if they know what the couple desires during their stay in the birth facility. It also helps allay anxiety for the mother if she knows that her plans and wishes are going to be put to use if she gives the birth plan in advance. Reading articles on topics about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum prepares the woman and her partner with knowledge on what to expect during their experience. The more knowledge they have, the better prepared they are during the labor and delivery process. Being prepared will help the mother have a positive childbirth experience. They will know what to expect during a normal childbirth and during the postpartum period. The less stress they are, the better they can take care of the baby and spent quality time with them.
My Birth Plan
Before Labor Begins
I would like to stay at home for as long as possible before going to Torrance Memorial for labor and delivery. If possible, I want Dr. Rhoads, my obstetrician, to deliver my baby. This baby is precious to us as we have done a lot to have this baby and it’s been a long 9 months. I have a good relationship with my doctor and I trust she knows what is best for my baby and me. I trust that my doctor will seek out my opinion concerning all of the issues directly affecting my birth before deviating from my plan. I would also like it for you to obtain my permission before stripping my membranes during a vaginal exam. I prefer at no time to have my membranes broken unless there is an emergency situation. I would also like no vaginal exams until I go into labor. Only minimal internal vaginal exams or at my request because I do not want to risk developing an infection when my membranes are ruptured. As for monitoring, intermittent auscultation with palpation will work for me as long as my baby and I are doing fine. When and if I am confined to bed, I am open to using continuous electronic fetal monitoring with the sound turned on enough for me to hear my baby’s heart beat.
Induction
If induction is absolutely necessary, I would like to try natural induction techniques first with the help of my doctor. As much as possible, I would not want to be induced because of the many risks that carry with it. I would like to try breast stimulation, walking, acupuncture, and sexual intercourse for natural induction. If induction is the only way left, I would like to try Pitocin, rupturing my membranes, or both. If my water breaks before I go into labor, I would not want to be induced no matter how long it takes for me to deliver my baby. I am only open to induction if it becomes necessary and is the last resort.
Environment
I want my husband to be present with me during my labor and birth. I want to give birth in my own room with a shower and a bath, so I can use water-based techniques if I need to. In my room, I would like have a birthing bed, a beanbag chair, a birthing stool, a birthing ball, a birthing tub, and a squatting bar. I would like all of these things to be present so I can use them whenever I feel the need for their use. I want the lights to be dimmed, music played, and a TV to be available. I do not want to wear my own clothes during labor. Please tell people entering my room to speak softly as I do not want a lot of distractions during the laboring process. I also want my door closed at all times because I know the hallways can be loud especially when nurses and doctors make their rounds.
Pain relief
If at all possible, please discuss pain management options with me as soon as I get admitted to the hospital. Before getting any pain medications, I would like to try using the breathing techniques I learned during the prepared childbirth class. I am also going to welcome massage, guided imagery, distraction techniques, visual image work, and water techniques to alleviate the pain I will be experiencing. If I cannot handle the pain with these natural methods, my preference for drugs is the classic epidural. I want to make it clear that I want to try all the natural methods before I am offered the epidural because I want to walk around and move to help my baby descend into my pelvis. I do not want to be confined to bed unless I really cannot handle the pain anymore.
Second Stage of Labor
Please encourage me to try different positions for labor until I find one that works best for me. I am willing to try squatting, going on my hands and knees, lying on my side, semi-reclining, standing, or whatever feels right for me. I do not think I will want an enema unless I really feel the need for it. I prefer not to have an episiotomy even though I know that it means I am risking tearing. Episiotomy is ok if I am having a medical emergency. I will leave it to my doctor on what kind of episiotomy she thinks is best for me. Please apply hot compresses and encourage me to breathe properly for slower crowning to avoid the risk of tearing when I deliver my baby. If I end up getting an episiotomy, please use local anesthetics for the repair, as I do not want to experience additional pain that can be prevented.
The Delivery
If I may, I would like to touch my baby’s head as it crowns. I am still undecided if I want to use a hand mirror to see my baby come out, but please have a mirror available in my room in case I want to use one. If possible, I would like my doctor to assist my husband to catch my baby and place my baby on my abdomen right away. I do not want a lot of small talk during the delivery, as I want to have full concentration when pushing. After my baby is born, please delay all essential routine procedures on my baby until after the bonding and breastfeeding period. Please do not separate me and my baby until after my baby has successfully breastfed on both breasts. I also want my husband to have the opportunity to cut the umbilical cord. I would prefer for the placenta to be born spontaneously without the use of Pitocin.
Cesarean
I do not want to have a C-section if it is not an emergency. If a C-section is a must, I would like to remain conscious during the procedure and a hand free to touch my baby after he is born. I want my husband in the operating room with me during the procedure. I would like my baby to be shown to me immediately. A low transverse incision is what I prefer should I need a C-section. I would like my husband to be with the baby for as long as possible until I am able to be with them. Because this is my first surgery and pregnancy, please discuss with me what I can expect to feel immediately after the procedure. I may need extra help nursing after the operation. Please remove my catheter and IV as soon as possible after my recovery period. I am expecting to be on some pain medications after the procedure so I can be more comfortable and take care of my baby.
Newborn procedures
If my baby has any problems, I would like my husband to be with the baby at all times. I would like all newborn routine procedures to be performed in my presence, but I would prefer them to be delayed until bonding and breastfeeding have occurred. Please delay the administration of the prophylactic eye ointment and vitamin K until after breastfeeding and bonding. Please make sure to immunize my baby according to your normal procedures. I would like my baby circumcised and use anesthesia, as I do not want to subject my baby to unnecessary pain. Please do the routine screening tests to my baby after 24 hours. I will be exclusively breastfeeding my baby so please ask me first before offering my baby formula, any artificial nipples, and pacifiers.
Pregnancy-Related Articles
Perineal Massage The article makes it easy for women to associate perineal massage and its benefits to conditioning the body for an athletic event— that is, conditioning the vaginal opening with a massage prepares the perineum to perform at its best.
It has a lot of benefits and is easily understandable because of the lay terms used. The steps to perform the perineal massage are listed step by step in bullet form, making it easy and simple to follow. Since this involves active participation to be performed correctly, I think it would have been beneficial for pictures or diagrams to be a part of the article for those who are more visual learners. Dangers and precautions of performing it vigorously are also included, which I think is a good thing so that all women attempting this procedure are aware of hazards that could potentially happen if done wrong. This article ultimately increases women’s awareness of a simple way that could prepare them to relax during labor and delivery as the massage gives them an idea of what could be felt when stretching occurs, especially during delivery of the infant’s …show more content…
head.
Natural Remedies During Pregnancy This link is a very useful one.
It includes a wide variety of topics about common discomforts and problems that occur during pregnancy. I learned many different simple suggestions that may alleviate the discomforts of pregnant women. I have learned about most of the natural remedies presented in the article; however, there were a few that I did not know about. For example, some remedies for nausea are infusion of ginger root and smelling ground ginger—I have never heard of these remedies nor was I ever taught that these are effective. I noticed quite a few herbal therapies being suggested and I know that pregnant women must always consult with their health care provider before attempting any kind of complementary and alternative therapies as it may harm the women, the fetus, or both. I did not see anywhere in this article that addresses or warns women to contact their health care provider before attempting any of the suggestions that falls under complementary and alternative therapies. A lot of the remedies are natural and simple that can be done without consulting the provider and are considered safe. Overall, I think that this article is very insightful and provides a lot of information and is written in a way that is easily
understandable.
How to Avoid an Induction of Labor This article is very professional and personal at the same time. The three major reasons for an induction of labor as stated by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) are presented— maternal illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and uterine infection; fetal illness; and 42 completed weeks of gestation. It is also stated here that induction of labor without medical reasons should be not done before 39 weeks of gestation because of the many risks it carries with it. On a personal note, a few mothers’ advise to avoid induction of labor is also presented. Some of them said that maintaining a good relationship with the doctor is crucial, while others said that picking a doctor who does not care for induction is to every woman’s advantage. I came to learn that a great preventive measure would be taking care of yourself more so when you are pregnant to lessen your chances for complications that may eventually lead to induction of labor. The only downside of this article is that quoting women’s advice on avoiding induction may be biased in different levels. These women have already decided that no matter what happens, they will not accept induction as an alternative to their birth plans. What if some women agree to induction if it saves the life of the baby or themselves? These can alter their perspective and may actually take induction of labor into consideration. Even so, I agree with ACOG and the women in this article that induction of labor carries more risks to the mother and baby than just letting nature take its course.
Domestic Violence in Pregnancy This article is very informative and resourceful. It tells us that even though pregnancy should be a time when people are happy and get along, domestic violence still happens and is usually overlooked. This article contributed and expanded my knowledge about intimate partner violence that I read in my textbook. It presents the multiple effects of domestic violence to pregnancy. It talks about the immediate effects on pregnancy and also the emotional and behavioral effects on the woman. Aside from the physical signs that we see from a battered woman, she also has a greater chance of continuing unhealthy habits such as smoking to cope with the stress and other emotional problems she experiences due to the abuse. This article also made a very good point that even though health care providers are aware of the chances of domestic abuse during pregnancy, screening is not always done—sometimes it is only done during the first prenatal visit. I learned that it is very important to screen pregnant women and help them understand that they do not deserve to be hurt and that there are many resources in the community that can help her and her baby be safe. These women need to understand that they should seek help right away because their lives might depend on it. This article greatly increases women’s awareness on what to do and where to seek help should domestic abuse occur.
Sources of Pain During Labor and Birth This short article is full of information. It presents the three major causes of pain during labor and birth. The first one being emotional sources resulting from fear, the unknown, and lack of education. I learned that emotional pain could actually cause and intensify pain. I never knew that being emotionally unstable could make a woman feel more pain during labor. Childbirth classes, self-reading, and watching videos to learn more about what to expect during labor can minimize the pain because of the awareness of what happens during labor and delivery. The second one is functional causes of pain that may include cervical dilations, contractions, descend of the baby, and other procedures such as episiotomy and vaginal exams. The last one is the physiologic causes of pain such as deviations from normal. This article is great at clarifying misconceptions and stating clearly what actions increases pain and ones that alleviate it. This made me realize that there are plenty of sources of pain that the woman might be experiencing simultaneously. I always just thought of labor pain as the physical exhaustion, pushing, and contractions the woman feels. This expanded my knowledge and helped me to better assess for different sources of pain in the woman going through labor and delivery.
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
Purpose
The purpose of the organization AWHONN is to promote and improve the health of both mothers and newborns. This organization uses superior advocacy, research, education and other professional and clinical resources to reach their goals of promoting and improving the health of all mothers and newborns. According to AWHONN (2013), they have six core values: commitment to professional and social responsibility; accountability for personal and professional contributions; respect for diversity of and among colleagues and clients; integrity in exemplifying the highest standards in personal and professional behavior; nursing excellence for quality outcomes in practice, education, research, advocacy and management; and generation of knowledge to enhance the science and practice of nursing to improve the health of women and newborns.
Clinical Updates
Single-Embryo Transfers Transforms IVF Treatment Before reading this clinical update, I always thought that multiple-embryo transfers yielded the greatest chances of conception for couples undergoing IVF. According to Dumestic (2013), advances in growing embryos to an advanced stage of physiologic development have made single-embryo transfer a superior procedure for many patients seeking in vitro fertilization. This article also mentioned that the improved pregnancy rates for a single-embryo transfer is due to laboratory techniques that better identify the nutritional and metabolic needs of embryos as they grow to the blastocyst stage. One advantage of single-embryo transfer over multiple-embryo transfers is the lower rate of multifetal pregnancy, which can ultimately lead to low-birth-weight infants and the risk of neonatal death.
References
AWHONN. (2013). Retrieved February 27, 2014, from http://www.awhonn.org/awhonn/content.do?name=10_AboutUs/10A_MissionVisionValues.htm Balaskas, J. (2004). Natural Pregnancy: A Practical, Holistic Guide to Wellbeing from
Conception to Birth. Retrieved from http://childbirth.org/articles/remedy.html
Dumestic, D. (2013). Single-Embryo Transfer Transforms IVF Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=502&action=detail&ref=1233&start=4&issueref=177 Sears, M. (1994). The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying
Birth. Retrieved from http://childbirth.org/articles/massage.html
Sources of Pain During Labor and Birth. (1998). Retrieved February 27, 2014, from http://childbirth.org/articles/pain.html Weiss, R. (2009). How to Avoid an Induction of Labor. Retrieved from http://pregnancy.about.com/od/induction/a/avoidinduction.htm Weiss, R. (2010). Domestic Violence in Pregnancy. Retrieved from
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/domesticviolence/a/domesticviol.htm
Abstract
The first part of this Internet assignment is my birth plan, which I would like for my health care provider and other members of the health care team to follow when I go into labor and get admitted to the hospital. The second part consists of personal comments about various articles that I looked up regarding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This assignment also touches a little bit on the purpose of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and consists of a short section about important points made in a clinical update about single-embryo transfers in IVF treatment.
My Birth Plan and Pregnancy-Related Articles A birth plan is …show more content…
important for every woman and her partner to have. Both of them should agree on what they want done during their childbirth experience before giving the birth plan to the doctor and before getting admitted to the hospital for labor. A birth plan helps the health care team provide better care and service if they know what the couple desires during their stay in the birth facility. It also helps allay anxiety for the mother if she knows that her plans and wishes are going to be put to use if she gives the birth plan in advance. Reading articles on topics about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum prepares the woman and her partner with knowledge on what to expect during their experience. The more knowledge they have, the better prepared they are during the labor and delivery process. Being prepared will help the mother have a positive childbirth experience. They will know what to expect during a normal childbirth and during the postpartum period. The less stress they are, the better they can take care of the baby and spent quality time with them.
My Birth Plan
Before Labor Begins
I would like to stay at home for as long as possible before going to Torrance Memorial for labor and delivery. If possible, I want Dr. Rhoads, my obstetrician, to deliver my baby. This baby is precious to us as we have done a lot to have this baby and it’s been a long 9 months. I have a good relationship with my doctor and I trust she knows what is best for my baby and me. I trust that my doctor will seek out my opinion concerning all of the issues directly affecting my birth before deviating from my plan. I would also like it for you to obtain my permission before stripping my membranes during a vaginal exam. I prefer at no time to have my membranes broken unless there is an emergency situation. I would also like no vaginal exams until I go into labor. Only minimal internal vaginal exams or at my request because I do not want to risk developing an infection when my membranes are ruptured. As for monitoring, intermittent auscultation with palpation will work for me as long as my baby and I are doing fine. When and if I am confined to bed, I am open to using continuous electronic fetal monitoring with the sound turned on enough for me to hear my baby’s heart beat.
Induction
If induction is absolutely necessary, I would like to try natural induction techniques first with the help of my doctor. As much as possible, I would not want to be induced because of the many risks that carry with it. I would like to try breast stimulation, walking, acupuncture, and sexual intercourse for natural induction. If induction is the only way left, I would like to try Pitocin, rupturing my membranes, or both. If my water breaks before I go into labor, I would not want to be induced no matter how long it takes for me to deliver my baby. I am only open to induction if it becomes necessary and is the last resort.
Environment
I want my husband to be present with me during my labor and birth. I want to give birth in my own room with a shower and a bath, so I can use water-based techniques if I need to. In my room, I would like have a birthing bed, a beanbag chair, a birthing stool, a birthing ball, a birthing tub, and a squatting bar. I would like all of these things to be present so I can use them whenever I feel the need for their use. I want the lights to be dimmed, music played, and a TV to be available. I do not want to wear my own clothes during labor. Please tell people entering my room to speak softly as I do not want a lot of distractions during the laboring process. I also want my door closed at all times because I know the hallways can be loud especially when nurses and doctors make their rounds.
Pain relief
If at all possible, please discuss pain management options with me as soon as I get admitted to the hospital. Before getting any pain medications, I would like to try using the breathing techniques I learned during the prepared childbirth class. I am also going to welcome massage, guided imagery, distraction techniques, visual image work, and water techniques to alleviate the pain I will be experiencing. If I cannot handle the pain with these natural methods, my preference for drugs is the classic epidural. I want to make it clear that I want to try all the natural methods before I am offered the epidural because I want to walk around and move to help my baby descend into my pelvis. I do not want to be confined to bed unless I really cannot handle the pain anymore.
Second Stage of Labor
Please encourage me to try different positions for labor until I find one that works best for me. I am willing to try squatting, going on my hands and knees, lying on my side, semi-reclining, standing, or whatever feels right for me. I do not think I will want an enema unless I really feel the need for it. I prefer not to have an episiotomy even though I know that it means I am risking tearing. Episiotomy is ok if I am having a medical emergency. I will leave it to my doctor on what kind of episiotomy she thinks is best for me. Please apply hot compresses and encourage me to breathe properly for slower crowning to avoid the risk of tearing when I deliver my baby. If I end up getting an episiotomy, please use local anesthetics for the repair, as I do not want to experience additional pain that can be prevented.
The Delivery
If I may, I would like to touch my baby’s head as it crowns. I am still undecided if I want to use a hand mirror to see my baby come out, but please have a mirror available in my room in case I want to use one. If possible, I would like my doctor to assist my husband to catch my baby and place my baby on my abdomen right away. I do not want a lot of small talk during the delivery, as I want to have full concentration when pushing. After my baby is born, please delay all essential routine procedures on my baby until after the bonding and breastfeeding period. Please do not separate me and my baby until after my baby has successfully breastfed on both breasts. I also want my husband to have the opportunity to cut the umbilical cord. I would prefer for the placenta to be born spontaneously without the use of Pitocin.
Cesarean
I do not want to have a C-section if it is not an emergency. If a C-section is a must, I would like to remain conscious during the procedure and a hand free to touch my baby after he is born. I want my husband in the operating room with me during the procedure. I would like my baby to be shown to me immediately. A low transverse incision is what I prefer should I need a C-section. I would like my husband to be with the baby for as long as possible until I am able to be with them. Because this is my first surgery and pregnancy, please discuss with me what I can expect to feel immediately after the procedure. I may need extra help nursing after the operation. Please remove my catheter and IV as soon as possible after my recovery period. I am expecting to be on some pain medications after the procedure so I can be more comfortable and take care of my baby.
Newborn procedures
If my baby has any problems, I would like my husband to be with the baby at all times. I would like all newborn routine procedures to be performed in my presence, but I would prefer them to be delayed until bonding and breastfeeding have occurred. Please delay the administration of the prophylactic eye ointment and vitamin K until after breastfeeding and bonding. Please make sure to immunize my baby according to your normal procedures. I would like my baby circumcised and use anesthesia, as I do not want to subject my baby to unnecessary pain. Please do the routine screening tests to my baby after 24 hours. I will be exclusively breastfeeding my baby so please ask me first before offering my baby formula, any artificial nipples, and pacifiers.
Pregnancy-Related Articles
Perineal Massage The article makes it easy for women to associate perineal massage and its benefits to conditioning the body for an athletic event— that is, conditioning the vaginal opening with a massage prepares the perineum to perform at its best.
It has a lot of benefits and is easily understandable because of the lay terms used. The steps to perform the perineal massage are listed step by step in bullet form, making it easy and simple to follow. Since this involves active participation to be performed correctly, I think it would have been beneficial for pictures or diagrams to be a part of the article for those who are more visual learners. Dangers and precautions of performing it vigorously are also included, which I think is a good thing so that all women attempting this procedure are aware of hazards that could potentially happen if done wrong. This article ultimately increases women’s awareness of a simple way that could prepare them to relax during labor and delivery as the massage gives them an idea of what could be felt when stretching occurs, especially during delivery of the infant’s …show more content…
head.
Natural Remedies During Pregnancy This link is a very useful one.
It includes a wide variety of topics about common discomforts and problems that occur during pregnancy. I learned many different simple suggestions that may alleviate the discomforts of pregnant women. I have learned about most of the natural remedies presented in the article; however, there were a few that I did not know about. For example, some remedies for nausea are infusion of ginger root and smelling ground ginger—I have never heard of these remedies nor was I ever taught that these are effective. I noticed quite a few herbal therapies being suggested and I know that pregnant women must always consult with their health care provider before attempting any kind of complementary and alternative therapies as it may harm the women, the fetus, or both. I did not see anywhere in this article that addresses or warns women to contact their health care provider before attempting any of the suggestions that falls under complementary and alternative therapies. A lot of the remedies are natural and simple that can be done without consulting the provider and are considered safe. Overall, I think that this article is very insightful and provides a lot of information and is written in a way that is easily
understandable.
How to Avoid an Induction of Labor This article is very professional and personal at the same time. The three major reasons for an induction of labor as stated by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) are presented— maternal illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and uterine infection; fetal illness; and 42 completed weeks of gestation. It is also stated here that induction of labor without medical reasons should be not done before 39 weeks of gestation because of the many risks it carries with it. On a personal note, a few mothers’ advise to avoid induction of labor is also presented. Some of them said that maintaining a good relationship with the doctor is crucial, while others said that picking a doctor who does not care for induction is to every woman’s advantage. I came to learn that a great preventive measure would be taking care of yourself more so when you are pregnant to lessen your chances for complications that may eventually lead to induction of labor. The only downside of this article is that quoting women’s advice on avoiding induction may be biased in different levels. These women have already decided that no matter what happens, they will not accept induction as an alternative to their birth plans. What if some women agree to induction if it saves the life of the baby or themselves? These can alter their perspective and may actually take induction of labor into consideration. Even so, I agree with ACOG and the women in this article that induction of labor carries more risks to the mother and baby than just letting nature take its course.
Domestic Violence in Pregnancy This article is very informative and resourceful. It tells us that even though pregnancy should be a time when people are happy and get along, domestic violence still happens and is usually overlooked. This article contributed and expanded my knowledge about intimate partner violence that I read in my textbook. It presents the multiple effects of domestic violence to pregnancy. It talks about the immediate effects on pregnancy and also the emotional and behavioral effects on the woman. Aside from the physical signs that we see from a battered woman, she also has a greater chance of continuing unhealthy habits such as smoking to cope with the stress and other emotional problems she experiences due to the abuse. This article also made a very good point that even though health care providers are aware of the chances of domestic abuse during pregnancy, screening is not always done—sometimes it is only done during the first prenatal visit. I learned that it is very important to screen pregnant women and help them understand that they do not deserve to be hurt and that there are many resources in the community that can help her and her baby be safe. These women need to understand that they should seek help right away because their lives might depend on it. This article greatly increases women’s awareness on what to do and where to seek help should domestic abuse occur.
Sources of Pain During Labor and Birth This short article is full of information. It presents the three major causes of pain during labor and birth. The first one being emotional sources resulting from fear, the unknown, and lack of education. I learned that emotional pain could actually cause and intensify pain. I never knew that being emotionally unstable could make a woman feel more pain during labor. Childbirth classes, self-reading, and watching videos to learn more about what to expect during labor can minimize the pain because of the awareness of what happens during labor and delivery. The second one is functional causes of pain that may include cervical dilations, contractions, descend of the baby, and other procedures such as episiotomy and vaginal exams. The last one is the physiologic causes of pain such as deviations from normal. This article is great at clarifying misconceptions and stating clearly what actions increases pain and ones that alleviate it. This made me realize that there are plenty of sources of pain that the woman might be experiencing simultaneously. I always just thought of labor pain as the physical exhaustion, pushing, and contractions the woman feels. This expanded my knowledge and helped me to better assess for different sources of pain in the woman going through labor and delivery.
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
Purpose
The purpose of the organization AWHONN is to promote and improve the health of both mothers and newborns. This organization uses superior advocacy, research, education and other professional and clinical resources to reach their goals of promoting and improving the health of all mothers and newborns. According to AWHONN (2013), they have six core values: commitment to professional and social responsibility; accountability for personal and professional contributions; respect for diversity of and among colleagues and clients; integrity in exemplifying the highest standards in personal and professional behavior; nursing excellence for quality outcomes in practice, education, research, advocacy and management; and generation of knowledge to enhance the science and practice of nursing to improve the health of women and newborns.
Clinical Updates
Single-Embryo Transfers Transforms IVF Treatment Before reading this clinical update, I always thought that multiple-embryo transfers yielded the greatest chances of conception for couples undergoing IVF. According to Dumestic (2013), advances in growing embryos to an advanced stage of physiologic development have made single-embryo transfer a superior procedure for many patients seeking in vitro fertilization. This article also mentioned that the improved pregnancy rates for a single-embryo transfer is due to laboratory techniques that better identify the nutritional and metabolic needs of embryos as they grow to the blastocyst stage. One advantage of single-embryo transfer over multiple-embryo transfers is the lower rate of multifetal pregnancy, which can ultimately lead to low-birth-weight infants and the risk of neonatal death.
References
AWHONN. (2013). Retrieved February 27, 2014, from http://www.awhonn.org/awhonn/content.do?name=10_AboutUs/10A_MissionVisionValues.htm Balaskas, J. (2004). Natural Pregnancy: A Practical, Holistic Guide to Wellbeing from
Conception to Birth. Retrieved from http://childbirth.org/articles/remedy.html
Dumestic, D. (2013). Single-Embryo Transfer Transforms IVF Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=502&action=detail&ref=1233&start=4&issueref=177 Sears, M. (1994). The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying
Birth. Retrieved from http://childbirth.org/articles/massage.html
Sources of Pain During Labor and Birth. (1998). Retrieved February 27, 2014, from http://childbirth.org/articles/pain.html Weiss, R. (2009). How to Avoid an Induction of Labor. Retrieved from http://pregnancy.about.com/od/induction/a/avoidinduction.htm Weiss, R. (2010). Domestic Violence in Pregnancy. Retrieved from
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/domesticviolence/a/domesticviol.htm