Midwifery care at a freestanding birth center: a safe and effective alternative to conventional maternity care.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To estimate the effect of a midwifery model of care delivered in a freestanding birth center on maternal and infant outcomes when compared with conventional care.

Data sources/study setting

Birth certificate data for women who gave birth in Washington D.C. and D.C. residents who gave birth in other jurisdictions.

Study design

Using propensity score modeling and instrumental variable analysis, we compare maternal and infant outcomes among women who receive prenatal care from birth center midwives and women who receive usual care. We match on observable characteristics available on the birth certificate, and we use distance to the birth center as an instrument.

Data collection/extraction methods

Birth certificate data from 2005 to 2008.

Principal fin

SUBMITTER: Benatar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3796112 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature