Course Description
Understanding future demand for midwifery-led birth centers is critical to increasing utilization of this high-value model of care. This study examines factors associated with interest in birth center care for a future pregnancy. Methods: We analyzed data from the Listening to Mothers in California survey. The study included 1447 people who had a singleton hospital birth in 2016 and did not have a history of cesarean birth. More than half of respondents (n = 789; 54.5%) expressed interest in receiving care at a birth center in the future. Broadening access to midwifery-led birth centers to accommodate future demand is needed.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe current research findings about birth setting decision-making
- Understand factors associated with decision-making related to choosing birth center care
- Explain implications of these findings and identify areas for future research
Speakers
Erin George, PhD, CNM, FACNM
Speakers Bios
Dr. Erin George, PhD, CNM is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and an Adjunct Professor at Boston College Connell School of Nursing. She practiced full-scope midwifery for over a decade in academic hospital and community birth settings. Dr. George’s research interests include perinatal decision-making, community birth experiences and outcomes, and improving perinatal data collection systems. She serves as the President of the newly-formed American Association of Birth Centers Massachusetts Chapter, an ACNM Research and Standards Committee member, and an Editorial Advisory Board member for JOGNN.
Course expiration: February 26, 2028