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nMATERNAL-CHILD NURSING
NUR106
Introduction:
Prior to the twentieth century women had their children at home. They were usually attended by lay or “granny” midwives. Physicians were not usually involved unless there were serious problems. During this time there was a high maternal and perinatal (fetus from 29 weeks gestation to the 4 week old infant) and infant mortality rate. Maternal deaths were mostly related to postpartum henorrhage, infection, and toxemia (PIH). Infant deaths (up to one year of age) were mostly related to prematurity, dehydration from diarrhea and contagious diseases.
New medical techniques and discoveries around the turn of the century were available to physicians and not to the lay midwives. This led to a reduction of mortality among patients who gave birth in hospitals and led to more in hospital births. Some of these new techniques and discoveries were:
1. Semmelweis’ discovery that infections could be prevented by using aseptic practices.
2. Forceps to aid in the birth process.
3. Discovery of chloroform to control pain during childbirth.
4. Use of drugs to facilitate labor.
5. Advances in operative procedures such as cesarean section.
By 1960, 90% of births in the United States took place in the hospital with a physician assisting. The move from home to the hospital hindered family involvement in the birth process and bonding between parents and infant. The mother had few choices. She was usually heavily sedated in labor and received a general anesthetic for the delivery. The husband and other family members waited in the waiting room. They would occasionally receive a report on progress of the labor from the physician. The mother may not see the infant for several hours and contact with the infant such as rooming in was not available. Breast feeding was not encouraged. Mothers who had babies who died were frequently discouraged from seeing the infant and going to the funeral. Fathers and other family members...