New five point model of midwifery care results in safer birth outcomes, lower Cesarean Section rates

Jul 14 2015

Donna Tabas, CNM, M.S., has developed a new five point model of midwifery care for low risk women that results in faster, safe, natural and empowering labor and birthing outcomes in both first time and repeat birthing mothers and extremely low Cesarean Section rates. Although many midwifery practices offer some components of her care model, Donna has discovered that simultaneously combining all five components of this unique model enables, in the safety of a hospital setting, these excellent outcomes, and eliminates the "Necessary Unnecessary Cesarean Sections" now so prevalent in our country.

The first point of the model is personalized, unrushed home prenatal care. Although Donna does have an office in Union City, NJ, she offers (and prefers) to come to the woman's own home for each unrushed, extended prenatal visit, which can be as short or long as the woman desires. As an up-to-date clinician, she provides up-to-date, evidence-based standards of maternity care, and develops mutually trusting relationships that are so crucial to the birthing process without fear.

The second point of the plan is exposure to Hypnobirthing, and discussions that transform the expectations of normal birth. During prenatal care with Donna Tabas, CNM, she slowly helps her women remove any negative preconceived notions about childbirth that may be based on negativity and fear, and transforms their expectations of the natural birthing process to one of power, strength, relaxation, and confidence.

The third point of the program is doula care in labor for all women. A doula is usually a professionally trained woman who has attended many births and has a whole repertoire of ways to assist birthing women. Using a doula has been consistently documented by studies to decrease Cesarean section rates, decrease the use of pain medications and epidurals, and help to achieve healthier birth outcomes.

The fourth point is guiding and maintaining the birth using the natural physiological model rather than the medical model of birth. The physiological model of birth includes complete mobility, upright and alternative birthing positions, immediate skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother after birth, and delayed cord clamping. Outcomes are safer and better if birth is left as undisturbed as possible, with appropriate monitoring for safety.

The final point of Tabas' plan is that, as a solo, "dedicated" midwife, she is the only midwife that her women will have, barring extraordinary circumstances, and will be present throughout the entire labor and birth process. Simply being there at the right time and knowing how to rotate a malpositioned baby into a more favorable position can restore normality, and avoid a Cesarean Section for "failure to progress or descend," which develops into the "Necessary Unnecessary Cesareans" that Tabas' Five Point Model of care tries to prevent.

Donna Tabas, CNM, wants each woman, as she approaches her Birthing Day, to feel confident, prepared, relaxed, and ready to fully experience all the sensations of labor without fear, and birth with power, strength and joy.