Cesarean Awareness Month – April 2012

For the first time in 14 years, the 2010 US C-section rate of 32.8% is down slightly from the 2009 rate of 32.9%. This is excellent news but it is too early to celebrate. A quick look at the US Cesarean Rates from 1970 to 2010 depicts the long history of a negative trend. It [...]

Stepping Toward A Baby-Friendlier Oregon

Download this entry The Breastfeeding Coalition of Oregon under the direction of Amelia Psmythe recently hosted its sold-out 5th annual two-day statewide conference – Stepping Toward A Baby-Friendlier Oregon. Supporters who made the conference possible include Oregon WIC, Oregon Public Health Institute, Hygeia, Limerick, and Medical International. Anyone wanting to know what Oregon’s many infant-feeding [...]

Part 1: Consumer Advocacy & Evidence-Based Infant Feeding Practices

Here’s the first “installment” for my upcoming presentation at the March 2-3 Breastfeeding Coalition 5h Annual Meeting. Blue text indicates information that will be placed on PowerPoint slides, black text indicates what will be said. I’d love your feedback either here or via email at motherbabynetwork@gmail.com. This installment covers introductory info, background on me and [...]

Oregon c-section rates for state, counties, hospitals

  April is Cesarean Awareness Month: What are the cesarean section rates for local hospitals, Lane County and Oregon? In 2009, the US cesarean section rate rose from 32.3 percent in 2008 to 32.9 percent. This was the 13th consecutive year of increase. Since 1996, the rate at which U.S. cesarean sections are performed increased by [...]

March of Dimes: Empower Women, Decrease Disparities

Finishing my childbirth education certification means I can start combing through several maternal and infant health reports I’ve been collecting. What can I say? In addition to providing childbirth education, I like to read wonky reports. First up is the March of Dimes’ December 2010 Toward Improving the Outcome of Pregnancy III (TIOP III). For [...]

Mandatory Licensure for Midwives?

Oregon State Represenative Mitch Greenlick has introduced House Bill 2380 to the Health Care Committee. 2380 requires all direct-entry midwives in the state to become licensed providers. If passed, this bill would replace Oregon’s voluntary licensure program for direct-entry midwifery. Bill 2380 contains an emergency clause making it effective upon signature by the Governor meaning [...]

Latest on Midwifery Board rules / Shout Out to Midwifery Supporters

Latest development in OARS The Oregon Board of Direct Entry Midwifery is near the end of a yearlong process of revising the Oregon Administrative Rules (draft rules) that govern licensed direct-entry midwives (LDMs). With a few exceptions, LDMs are the sole providers of home birth services in Oregon. In September, draft rules developed by the [...]

New rules for the Oregon Midwifery Board?

Last month, the Oregon Board of Direct Entry Midwifery (Midwifery Board) voted seven to one to submit revised administrative rules to the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA). This is the latest development in a nearly ten-month process of literature review, expert testimony and public comment. Not altered since 1993, the administrative rules regulate licensed direct [...]

PEBB restores coverage for out-of-hospital maternity care

At its April 20 meeting, the Oregon PEBB Board voted unaninmously to reinstate statewide coverage for home-based and birth center-based maternity care provided by licensed direct-entry midwives (LDM). LDM maternity services will again be covered at 70%. PEBB’s action restores this benefit as it existed since the 1990s under Regence BlueCross BlueShield. PEBB board members [...]

April is Cesarean Awareness Month

Sponsored by International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), April is Cesarean Awareness Month. It is an opportunity for raising awareness about this over-used surgery and for making information about resources and support available. Cesarean section rates continue to rise For the 12th consecutive year, the national cesarean section rate increased in 2008, even as total births [...]