What does evidence based care mean?
In the world of healthcare, especially maternal care, the term "evidence-based" often comes up. But what does it really mean? Apart of our love and desire as doulas is to help mamas grow in deep understanding of this framework of care and how important it is to seek this out when diving into pregnancy and birth providers. Click here to read more about our hearts for this kind of care!
Here, we'll explore what evidence-based means and why it's essential for you and your baby.
1: Grounded in Research for Pregnant Women
First and foremost, evidence-based care is grounded in research specifically conducted on pregnant women. It's important to recognize that the physiological changes during pregnancy are unique and complex to women. Research conducted on non-pregnant individuals, whether men or women, cannot accurately represent the needs of pregnant women. Evidence-based practices ensure that the recommendations and interventions provided are relevant, safe, and effective for expectant mothers.
Here is an evidence-based tip based on research done on pregnant women!
You’ve probably heard that protein is essential for everyone, but did you know that some of the advice given to pregnant women about protein was initially based on studies of non-pregnant people?
When it comes to pregnancy, the demands on your body are much higher. You're not just maintaining your own body anymore; you're also growing a whole new little one! Researchers started recommending increased protein intake for pregnant women based on the general guidelines used for non-pregnant adults. But here's where things got a bit tricky because the study was not conducted on pregnant women…
It turns out that basing protein needs from non-pregnant standards wasn’t enough to meet the unique needs of pregnant women. Studies specifically conducted on pregnant women showed that their protein requirements were actually quite different. Here’s what the research found:
Not Just More Protein, But the Right Kind: Initially, the advice was just to eat more protein. However, pregnant women need not just more protein but also specific types of amino acids that are crucial for fetal development. Simply upping the protein intake without considering the quality and type of protein wasn't as beneficial.
Timing Matters: Research on pregnant women indicated that spreading protein intake throughout the day was more beneficial than consuming large amounts at once. This helps with better absorption and utilization by both the mother and the developing baby.
Individual Variability: Pregnant women's protein needs vary depending on factors like their stage of pregnancy, activity level, and overall health. A one-size-fits-all increase based on non-pregnant guidelines often led to either insufficient or excessive intake.
As doulas who LOVE nutrition, we want to really speak to the importance of nutrition FOR you! Instead of just following a generic guideline, incorporate whole foods, know the source, and listen to your body for adjustments.
2: It Promotes Trust with Your Provider
When your healthcare provider uses evidence-based information, it fosters a trusting relationship. Knowing that your doula or healthcare provider bases their advice and interventions on solid research helps you feel more confident in their care. This trust is foundational to a positive birthing experience, as it allows you to feel secure and safe in the decisions being made for you and your baby’s health.
Here is an example of a conversation that could be backed with evidence and foster trust:
Expecting Mom: I have my gestational diabetes test coming up, and I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about it. I've heard mixed things about the glucola drink, and I'm not sure if it's the right choice for me.
Provider: I hear you. The glucola test can be a source of anxiety for many moms-to-be. Let's explore some options together. While the glucola test is the standard screening method, there are evidence-based alternatives we can consider that may align better with your holistic approach to pregnancy.
One option is postprandial meal testing, where you monitor your blood sugar levels after eating a meal. This method provides a more comprehensive picture of how your body processes glucose throughout the day. Research has shown that postprandial testing can be just as effective as the glucola test in identifying gestational diabetes, while also offering valuable insights into your dietary choices and blood sugar responses.
Mom: That sounds much more in line with my values. How would I go about doing postprandial meal testing?
Provider: After each meal for a given period of time, you would use a blood glucose monitor to test your blood sugar levels at specific intervals, such as one hour and two hours after eating. Keeping a diary of your meals and corresponding blood sugar readings can help identify patterns and trigger foods that may affect your glucose levels. This personalized approach empowers you to make informed dietary choices that support your health and well-being.
Mom: That sounds like a holistic approach that resonates with me. I appreciate you offering this alternative and giving me the options!
Provider: Of course! My desire is to provide you with evidence-based options that honor your unique journey and values. Whether it's the glucola test or postprandial meal testing, I'm here to support you every step of the way!
This conversation illustrates how a evidence-based provider can offer alternatives to traditional interventions like the glucola test. By empowering women to make informed choices that align with their values and preferences, trust is fostered between the provider and the expecting mom.
3: Tailored to Individual Needs
Every pregnancy is unique, and evidence-based care takes this into account. It involves evaluating the latest research and integrating it into your individual preferences, needs, values and beliefs. This personalized approach ensures that the care you receive is not just “getting the job done”, but effective for you specifically, helping your care be well rounded and holistic in nature.
Here’s an example of a personal preference that is discussed and understood with evidence-based research and care in mind.
Imagine you're crafting your birth plan, and you have a particular desire, you want to labor in the tub and ideally have a water birth too. It's something that is really important to you as you feel it will help relax you and ground you in ways that will help you manage and have a natural birth FOR you!
Now, let's bring in the evidence-based care aspect. Your birth team, whether it's your OB-GYN, midwife, or doula, listens to your preference and takes the time to discuss the benefits and potential considerations of water birth based on research findings.
They might say something like:
"Hey there, mama! I see that you're interested in having a water birth, and I love that you're taking an active role in planning your birth experience. Let's chat about the evidence surrounding water birth to ensure we make the best decision for you and your baby."
Your provider goes on to share evidence-based insights:
"Research has shown that water immersion during labor can help reduce pain and promote relaxation, which can lead to shorter labors and less need for medical intervention. Additionally, being in the water can enhance your sense of privacy and control, creating a more positive birthing experience."
But they also consider your individual circumstances:
"However, it's essential to consider factors like your medical history, any existing health conditions, and your birth team’s experiences and comfort levels in water births. Based on your overall health and that your team is familiar and trained in water births, I believe that a water birth is a safe and empowering option for you… and I even encourage it to a lot of my clients to just try!”
Your healthcare provider should combine your preferences with evidence-based research to tailor recommendations that align with your desires and circumstances. By fostering open communication and informed decision-making, they should help you feel empowered and confident as you prepare for the birth of your precious little one!
4: Safe and Effective
The primary goal of evidence-based care is to ensure safety and effectiveness. By relying on research findings, healthcare providers can recommend practices and interventions that have been proven to have good outcomes. This reduces the likelihood of complications and enhances the overall health and well-being of both mother and baby.
For instance, let’s look at some evidence-based research on third trimester ultrasounds and their effectiveness:
Third-trimester ultrasounds. While these scans are commonly used to check on your baby's growth and well-being, recent research suggests that they might not always improve outcomes as expected.
While third-trimester ultrasounds are generally considered safe, some studies have raised questions about their effectiveness in improving outcomes for both mama and baby. In fact, research has shown that routine third-trimester ultrasounds may not necessarily lead to better health outcomes or reduce the risk of complications during labor and delivery.
While third-trimester ultrasounds can provide valuable information about your baby's growth and development, it's essential to trust your intuition and have open, honest conversations with your healthcare provider about your preferences and concerns. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about undergoing a third-trimester ultrasound, it's okay to speak up and explore other options.
Instead of relying solely on routine third-trimester ultrasounds, consider incorporating other methods of monitoring your baby's well-being, such as regular prenatal check-ups, fetal movement monitoring, and listening to your intuition. These holistic approaches can provide valuable insights into your baby's health and well-being without the need for additional medical interventions.
Support and conversation should ALWAYS be given to you in making informed choices. Whether you decide to proceed with a third-trimester ultrasound or explore alternative options, your provider should be aware of both safety and effectiveness and give compassionate guidance on steps forward.
5: Up-to-Date Information
The field of healthcare is constantly evolving, with new research emerging regularly. Evidence-based care involves staying up-to-date with the latest studies and guidelines. This means that the care you receive is based on the most current and accurate information available, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Your birth team should continuously educate themselves on the latest findings and updates in maternal care. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that their recommendations reflect the most recent findings and their dedication to look into these, and always be learning.
As we love prenatal nutrition, let’s use up-to-date information to debunk the myth of “eating for two”:
While it might sound tempting to indulge in extra servings of your favorite foods during pregnancy, the truth is, this age-old advice isn't rooted in evidence-based research. For generations, expecting mamas have been told that pregnancy is a time to double-up on food intake to support their growing baby. But here's the reality check: you don't actually need to eat twice as much during pregnancy.
Recent evidence-based research has shown that quality, not quantity, is key when it comes to nutrition during pregnancy. While it's essential to nourish your body and your baby with a well-balanced diet, overeating can lead to unnecessary weight gain and potential health risks for both mama and baby.
Instead of focusing on "eating for two," consider working with your pregnancy care provider or prenatal nutritionist (That’s us! Schedule HERE) to create a personalized nutrition plan that meets your unique needs and preferences. This might include incorporating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, and whole grains into your diet while listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues through intuitive eating.
DO you feel you have evidence based care?
Evidence-based care is THE FOUNDATION of effective and empowering maternal healthcare. It is grounded in research specifically conducted on pregnant women, promotes trust between you and your provider, is tailored to your individual needs, ensures safety and effectiveness, and is always up-to-date. By choosing a doula and birth team that prioritizes evidence-based practices, you are making a crucial decision for the health and well-being of both yourself and your baby.
At Ezer Birth, we are committed to providing you with THIS kind of care. Your trust and individual needs are our biggest desire. Let us support you on your journey to motherhood with confidence and care.
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And check out our course coming out June 21st all about how to have a unmedicated birth… where evidence-based information is at the core of your care, enabling you to walk out this beautiful story of birth!