Online Program

285819
Addressing infant mortality by comparing hospital based and non-hospital based childbirth education classes


Monday, November 4, 2013

Theresa Hunter, MPH, MS, CHES, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Issues: Infant mortality is a main concern in the United States as well as worldwide. In addressing infant mortality an important factor to be considered is the importance of childbirth education classes for expecting parents. While the child birthing experience may seem fearful to some, birthing education classes help to improve the labor and birthing outcomes.

Description: This research project aims to analyze the differences in birth outcomes between mothers who received hospital based childbirth education classes, non-hospital based education classes, and no childbirth education classes. Variables such as use of medication, time of gestation, and birth weight were each analyzed for comparison.

Lessons Learned: While all types of childbirth education classes have similar themes there are differences among these classes and the support that they provide to expecting parents. Classes in a hospital setting tend to include a basic overview of labor and birth and teach specific hospital practices to the expecting parents. Classes that are taught outside of the hospital include information about coping skills, physiology of labor, emotional aspects, and childbirth options. Even though hospital based and non-hospital based child birthing classes each have specific benefits, there are difference that exist within these classes. These differences have an impact on the labor and birthing process.

Recommendations: Current research needs to focus on understanding the differences in birth outcomes between mothers who received hospital based child birth education and those that received non-hospital based childbirth education classes. This research can be used to further address infant mortality.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related nursing

Learning Objectives:
Describe the different types of childbirth education that are offered in the United States Identify the key features of each type of child birth education service Compare the birth outcomes of hospital based and non-hospital based child birth education classes

Keyword(s): Health Education, Birth Outcomes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked on intiatives to address reducing infant mortality. Among my scientific research interests has been birth outcomes and infant mortality rates in relation to prenatal care.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.