The cultural warping of childbirth.

The higher incidence of fetal, neonatal, and maternal deaths in the U.S. than in other developed countries is due to the unphysiological practices adopted during childbirth and the lack of emotional support offered to mothers in labor. American mothers must be educated to a ccept a certain amount of inconvenience and discomfort in order to have a delivery more conducive to the good health of themselves and their babies. These supportive efforts are known to reduce the need for obstetrical medication and obstetrical intervention during labor and birth. It is not necessary that normal childbirth be performed in hospitals with physicians; nurse midwives can provide much of the predelivery support and care. Medication during labor and delivery increases the risks to both mother and child. Breast feeding must be actively encouraged in order to reduce the incidence of infant mortality and to offer emotional support for the postpartum mother. Other U.S. obstetrical practices which warp the childbirth experience in this country include elective induction of labor, separation of the mother from her family during delivery and the immediate postpartum period, and chemical stimulation of labor.