A mother and her husband/coach are committed to a natural childbirth. They have a very positive experience in the early stages of labor, but they come into conflict with their physician when it is time to deliver the infant. The doctor insists on rolling the hospital bed down so that the mother is lying flat. She and her husband argue that she should remain upright. What is the source of this conflict?
▸ The parents favor the tradition - which exists in most societies in the world - of delivering an infant in an upright position. The doctor is aware of new research showing that lying flat speeds the expulsion of the fetus.
▸ The parents, who have taken birthing classes, are more up-to-date on the latest child birth techniques. The doctor is not aware of the research showing benefits of the upright birthing position.
▸ The doctor prefers the more cautious flat-on-the-back position because it reduces the risk of anoxia. The parents are so committed to natural childbirth methods, however, that they won't consider alternatives.
▸ The parents are aware of evidence from around the world that an upright position eases delivery. The doctor favors a flat-on-the-back position because it is convenient and because it is the usual practice in American hospitals.
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