Maternity Department Adds New Techniques To Aid Mothers During Labor

ROME – Maternity nurses at Rome Memorial Hospital have new innovative birthing techniques to help expectant mothers through labor.

According to Cathy Destito, R.N., Nurse Manager, the techniques involve using birthing balls and stools to foster the process of labor through natural positioning.

"With the help of these techniques, mothers have a better chance of having their babies naturally," Destito said. "The new tools can shorten the pushing phase and, in some cases, reposition a baby that is head down but facing the wrong direction. We expect the new techniques to reduce our C-section rate."

During labor, the expectant mother can sit on the stool or birthing ball, which puts them in a comfortable and natural position. The ball is particularly effective in reducing tension in the back. The mother can sway side to side, forward and back, and round and round to relieve some of the pressure.

Implemented in December, the birthing balls and stools have been well received by both the staff and the patients. "The nurses can be more involved and more effective in helping the mother through a joyous but difficult time," Destito said. "I’ve been hearing great feedback from the patients who have used the tools."

Destito and Connie Jastremski, MS, RN, Vice President/Nursing, visited Oswego Hospital to learn about the stool and the birthing ball after reading about the hospital’s low C-section rates. With further research, Destito felt that the tools would benefit mothers and allow the nursing staff to become more proactive in the birthing process.

"We are a group of nurses who will try our best to promote safer, quicker and natural deliveries," Destito said. Training of the staff was facilitated by Linda Jack, RN, a maternity nurse and childbirth educator, and two certified nurse midwives, Marianne Stallteri and Nancy Peek.

"Because the techniques are new in the Mohawk Valley region, it’s important for obstetricians to discuss them with their pregnant patients," Destito said. "Then, the women will be aware of the techniques and more inclined to utilize them during labor."