A comprehensive study led by researchers from the University of Granada (UGR), in collaboration with the Andalusian Association of Midwives, has highlighted the positive impact of midwifery care on maternal and newborn health. The research reveals that qualified midwives not only improve health outcomes but also help reduce medical interventions during childbirth, benefiting both women and healthcare systems worldwide.
The umbrella review involved a large sample of 228,509 pregnant women, 72,388 postpartum women, and 7,931 midwives from various countries, including Australia, Iran, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, and China. The findings, published in Matronas Hoy, a journal of the Spanish Association of Midwives, demonstrate the significant role that midwives play in the sexual and reproductive health of women, as well as the health of newborns up to 28 days after birth.
“Midwifery is an internationally recognised profession, and midwives are considered essential figures in the sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives, as well as in the overall health of newborns,” said Rafael Caparrós González, a researcher at the UGR’s Department of Nursing and lead author of the study.
The study points out that midwifery care is associated with a higher likelihood of normal, unmedicated childbirth (eutocia) and a reduced need for medical interventions. Midwives also help decrease the number of induced births, which have been linked to a higher risk of neurological disorders in children by age 12.
Additionally, midwifery care has been shown to promote breastfeeding, with women assisted by qualified midwives being more likely to continue breastfeeding for six months after birth. The World Health Organization recognizes breastfeeding as a neuroprotective measure for babies, underlining the importance of midwifery support in early life.
The research also emphasizes that midwifery care positively affects perinatal mental health by reducing levels of tokophobia (fear of childbirth), anxiety, and stress during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This reduction in mental health challenges leads to fewer instances of epidurals and medical instruments being used during labor. Midwives are also trained to detect and screen for perinatal mental health issues, ensuring comprehensive care for mothers throughout the childbirth process.
The study highlights the significant cost-saving potential of midwifery care. In Australia, it has been estimated that midwifery services save the healthcare system approximately 12 million dollars annually. In Spain, improved breastfeeding rates could result in savings of up to 5.6 million euros per year. In the United Kingdom, better perinatal mental health care from midwives generates savings of around 6.6 million pounds annually.
“Midwifery care not only improves health outcomes for women and babies but also saves healthcare systems millions of euros each year,” said Caparrós. This underscores the importance of supporting midwifery services as a cost-effective and essential component of global healthcare systems.
The study’s findings underscore the pivotal role of qualified midwives in promoting healthy childbirth, improving perinatal mental health, and reducing unnecessary medical interventions. The evidence suggests that midwifery care not only enhances health outcomes but also offers significant economic benefits, making it a crucial component of healthcare systems worldwide.
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