WHO has been concerned with defining what a normal birth is to bring this model of childbirth closer and minimally intervened to society. The procedures that WHO advises for a normal delivery These are practices that experience and scientific basis have clearly shown to be useful and should be promoted.
Among these practices are some that we do not usually carry out as a general rule, such as birth plans, or that are still being prevented in many hospitals, such as offering liquids to drink during childbirth, or putting obstacles to their effective realization, such as respect for The intimacy of women.
But, adding what would be ideal for a normal delivery and we should claim, we would have the following points.
WHO advice for normal delivery
A personal plan that determines where and by whom the delivery will be attended, performed with the woman during pregnancy, made known to her partner and, if appropriate, to her family. We have spoken several times about the birth plans.
Assessment of the risk of pregnancy during prenatal care and at each visit to the health system and at the first contact with the person who will attend all the labor.
Monitoring of the physical and emotional well-being of women during childbirth and postpartum.
Offer liquids by mouth during delivery.
Respect for the woman's informed choice of the place of birth. Recall that the WHO recommends as the best place to give birth to the woman who chooses because it gives her security and there is the minimum assistance necessary for the delivery to be handled correctly.
Provide childbirth care in the place closest to their environment, where the birth is feasible and safe, and where the woman feels more secure and confident.
Respect for women's right to privacy at the place of birth.
Affective support of the assistants during childbirth.
Respect for the choice of companions of women during childbirth.
Give women as much information and explanations as you want.
Non-invasive or pharmacological methods of pain relief during dilation, such as massage and relaxation techniques.
Fetal monitoring with intermittent auscultation. As we can see, continuous monitoring is not advised, especially since it would hinder the mother's freedom of movement to favor dilation and fetal descent.
Unique use of disposable material and appropriate sterilization of the reusable material used during dilation and delivery.
Use of gloves in the vaginal tracts during the birth of the baby and the management of the placenta.
Freedom of position and movements throughout the delivery.
Stimulation to avoid supine position during childbirth, despite the fact that in most hospitals it is the only possible position (or offered as such). This position is indicated as advised against and to avoid during the dilation phase.
Careful monitoring of the progress of the delivery, for example, with the use of the WHO's childbirth.
Prophylactic use of oxytocin in the third phase of childbirth in women at risk of postpartum hemorrhage, or in danger of losing a small amount of blood.
Sterility when cutting the cord. Regarding this process, the late clamping of the cord is not indicated although according to the document the early cut is included among the practices of which there is no clear evidence to encourage them and that should be used with caution until new studies clarify the issue.
Prevention of hypothermia in the newborn.
Immediate skin contact with mother and child skin, and support at the beginning of breastfeeding in the first hour after delivery, according to the WHO guidelines on breastfeeding.
Systematic examination of the placenta and membranes.
We already know what we can demand in the place where we are going to give birth, although the expected is very different, so it would be advisable (I know that in many cases it is complicated) to meet the staff that will assist us. One way to do it (or at least to convey our wishes endorsed by WHO) would be to make a birth plan, the first recommended point.
Many of these points that the WHO recommends for a normal delivery they are related to the first steps towards a happy breastfeeding, and with the benefits for the baby to be born in a cozy environment, so they should be promoted by hospital centers and medical staff, as well as claimed by mothers and fathers.
