11/09/2023
A few weeks ago I participated in a panel discussion with fellow maternal health and reproductive care providers, hosted by The Southampton Press. It was a dynamic conversation initially about innovation in maternal healthcare. The conversation turned to midwives and how a return to this truly ancient profession as part of the obstetrical team, can have massive positive impacts on the maternal healthcare system in this country. The US ranks 50th among developed countries with regards to maternal morbidity and mortality. The research shows that where midwives provide the greater percentage of care in obstetrics, the maternal morbidity and mortality as well as neonatal rates reduce significantly. The participating physicians acknowledged that re-integrating midwives more fully into the care of the low risk pregnant individual can improve outcomes significantly. Recognizing the vital role midwives can play in improving health outcomes is a path forward to integrating the spectrum of providers that can change the trajectory of maternal health and safety. Who knew an ancient profession could be so innovative! 🫶🏼
