11 - 2015 - Henci Goer

Is Elective Induction with an Unripe Cervix Innocuous?

by Henci Goer | Nov 16, 2015 | Induction of Labor

A Medscape article reporting on a randomized controlled trial claims that induction with an unfavorable cervix doesn’t increase cesarean rates, but let’s look closer. Investigators randomly allocated 162 1st-time mothers with a Bishop score of 5 or less (a 1-10 scale...

S&S Publishes Parts 2 & 3 of “Supporting Women When a VBAC Doesn’t Happen”

by Henci Goer | Nov 16, 2015 | VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean)

Parts 2 and 3 of the Science & Sensibility series are “The Forgotten Mothers,” and “Supporting the Mothers.” Check out the International Cesarean Awareness Network website for additional information.

Antidote to ‘Net Stories on Jessa Duggar’s “Scary” Home Birth

by Henci Goer | Nov 16, 2015 | Out-of-Hospital Birth

Amid the ‘net brouhaha over Jessa Duggar’s postpartum transfer for severe bleeding after home birth, one article stands out as the voice of sanity: “Jessa Duggar’s midwife did exactly what she should have done” explains that the system worked exactly as it...

Labor Drugs Have Adverse Effect on Newborn Ability to Suckle

by Henci Goer | Nov 9, 2015 | Labor and Birth Care

According to a study soon to be published in Birth, epidural fentanyl and IV oxytocin have dose-dependent negative effects on instinctive newborn ability to suckle. Investigators blinded to whether women had epidurals, IV oxytocin, or both evaluated videos of 63...

S&S Series on Supporting Women Whose VBAC Labors End in Repeat Cesareans

by Henci Goer | Nov 9, 2015 | VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean)

Science and Sensibility is running a 3-part series on supporting women who plan VBAC but have repeat cesareans. “Part 1: A Unique Grief” was published last week.