CATHERINE BELL BIRTH CARTOGRAPHER
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EVENTS
Together we do Better

Upcoming Events
CAPEA 2020 Virtual Conference
I will be presenting on October 22 2:30pm – 3:00pm
CATHERINE BELL: Birth CartographySYNOPSIS
 Birth disappointment and birth trauma are risk factors for postnatal depression in both mothers and fathers and cost estimates highlight the impact of this issue.  It is well known that continuity of care with a known midwife is a key element in increasing birth satisfaction, but this option is not universally available. 
Birth Plans have long been encouraged as a way of communicating needs and decisions, but without guidance and structure many birth plans are ‘thrown out the window’, leaving parents vulnerable and at risk.  This is especially true in the absence of continuity of carer.  The adhoc approach to birth plans, and lack of structure and consistency, mean that communication is often unclear and decisions are not always well informed.   
Birth Cartography provides structure and guidance to the birth preparation process allowing for informed decision making and realistic expectations.  Childbirth Educators can play a central role in supporting women to understand available options. Not unlike an Advance Care Directive, a Birth Map provides documented decisions for various possibilities.  Making these decisions in advance avoids stressful, and potentially traumatic, experiences. 
Giving structure and consistency to the process, whilst allowing for flexibility and individuality in respectful care, Birth Cartography has the potential to: 
  • reduce cost to the health system through less intervention, including lowing the c/s rate 
  • aid practical preparation for physiological birth, in particular in a birth before arrival  
  • increase positive reporting by women of their experience and reduce PND and trauma for both parents 
  • improve working conditions for midwives and other maternity staff 
  • improve quality and quantity of information, readily accessible, helping clarify fears, giving care providers better knowledge on individual needs 
The Birth Cartography approach to informed birth preparation benefits women, their partners and midwives. 
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  • Home
    • About >
      • life BC
    • Is IBP for You?
    • Informed Decisions
    • Birth Support (doulas)
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • information policy
  • Birth Cartography training
    • Intensive
    • Retreat
    • Birth Cartographer Online training
    • expressions of interest
  • THE BOOK
    • The Birth Map
    • ORDER TODAY
    • Event Pick up
    • Where can I buy the book?
    • Reviews and Testimonials
    • Talking about The Birth Map
    • feedback survey
  • Bellablog
  • Events
  • Stay up to Date
    • Newsletter Archive
    • StoryTime
  • Member Area
    • Read The Book
    • Support Group Discussion
    • Webinars and podcasts
    • links and recommended books
    • Resources (research articles)
    • example maps