Nurse-midwifery practice in an in-hospital birthing center: 2050 births

Abstract

In response to the expressed needs of expectant parents for noninterventionist family-centered maternity care, the Douglas General In-Hospital Birthing Center was established in late 1976, with approximately 80% of the deliveries being done by nurse-midwives. Patients are admitted to the practice regardless of risk factors. The majority are managed and delivered at the birthing center, with the exception of patients in active labor prior to the thirty-second week of gestation. Including those transported, the neonatal and perinatal mortality rates compare very favorably to the mortality rates for Georgia and the United States.