On October 16, 2023, CNN published an article entitled, “You can advocate for yourself in labor, and a nurse shares how.” The title is a little misleading, however, as the interviewed nurse goes on to say that the nurses are expected to advocate for the patient, to listen to the patient, to believe the patient, and to make sure the patient feels safe and supported. That is the nurse’s job in labor and delivery. Communication is the most important piece of this commentary, as it ensures the nurses are accurately reporting what the patient is experiencing. Failed communication between the nurses and doctors is one of the most leading causes of birth injuries in the country.
The nurse goes on to say that the mom has choices in labor. This is absolutely true, but it, too, is missing a key piece. The nurses must discuss those choices with the patient. Is the baby in distress? Are there signs of variable decelerations or prolonged decelerations? Are they worried the baby may not be getting enough oxygen? If any of this occurs, the nurses must need to have a full conversation with the patient about the potential need for c-section. At the end of the day, it is mom’s decision, but she must be fully informed to make that decision.
At the end of the day, a devastating birth injury is most likely to be caused by the nurses and doctors ignoring important warning signs. They think to themselves, “Well, I had a patient yesterday who had these problems, and that baby came out fine, so this is probably fine, too.” Every mom and every baby is different. Labor and delivery is not cookie-cutter. Birth injuries will be less common only when nurses improve their communication and appreciation of warning signs.
