Non-surgical intrapartum practices for the prevention of severe perineal trauma: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness of non-surgical intrapartum practices in reducing the incidence of severe perineal trauma (third and fourth degree tears) during childbirth.

The effect of waterbirth on neonatal mortality and morbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Women have been giving birth in water in many centers across the globe; however, the practice remains controversial. Qualitative studies highlight the benefits that waterbirth confers on the laboring woman, though due to the nature of the intervention, it is not surprising that there are few randomized controlled trials available to inform practice. Much of the criticism directed at waterbirth focuses on the potential impact on the neonate.

Getting the first birth right: A retrospective study of outcomes for low-risk primiparous women receiving standard care versus midwifery model of care in the same tertiary hospital.

Background: There is national and international concern for increasing obstetric intervention in childbirth and rising caesarean section rates. Repeat caesarean section is a major contributing factor, making primiparous women an important target for strategies to reduce unnecessary intervention and surgeries in childbirth.

Aim: The aim was to compare outcomes for a cohort of low risk primiparous women who accessed a midwifery continuity model of care with those who received standard public care in the same tertiary hospital.