Every mom knows what a cesarean section is. Either she's heard of it or she's already had one.
According to a 2015 Leapfrog hospital survey, "Over 60% of reporting hospitals had excessive rates of C-sections." This means that too many women are undergoing a major abdominal surgery without medically needing to.
Now, there might be an answer to the uprise of this procedure.
Birthing slings. But what exactly is a birthing sling?
Well, it is a long piece of fabric, resembling a curtain, that is pulled through a hook in the ceiling. When women are in labor, they can shift their positions, opening up the birth canal. In some cases, widening the canal with this method will eliminate the need for a C-section.
This was exciting news for a mom in labor named Lauren Harrison. "It was just really kind of an amazing experience," Lauren says in the video below.
She gave birth to her precious baby girl, Harper, using a birthing sling at the Birthplace, located at University of Minnesota Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.
Carrie Neerland, a certified nurse midwife at the Birthplace, is very enthusiastic about the sling. "This offers the opportunity for women to feel supported, yet it takes off some of the pressure," she states with excitement.
Lauren is more than satisfied with her experience. "That's the beauty of labor is that there's no right or wrong way to do it," she says. "As long as you get a healthy mom and a healthy baby out of it, that's all that matters."
It is clear that the birthing sling presents multiple options when it comes to labor positions. This tool's ability to create more room in women's birthing canals for babies to come through is something to take advantage of. However, it is important to note that the sling isn't for everyone. Women using the sling must also be in good health and have the strength to support their own weight.
For women who are good candidates, this method could be life-changing.
Please SHARE this with any expecting parents to inform them about this unusual birthing method — maybe they'll use it too!
