[The efficiency of one-to-one support during labour - a literature analysis]

Abstract

Today, the way and the intensity of labour support differ internationally because of traditions, cultural background, legislation and finance issues. Moreover, the aspects of -labour support have changed in industrialized countries due to the transition from home birth to hospital birth. Technical aspects and surveillance have become more important. The increasing workload in hospitals (IQWIG 2006) as well as increasing Cesarean section rates and epidural rates are well documented (AQUA 2011). One reason for these changes might be a lack of support during childbirth. International studies emphasise the importance for continuous support in labour (Hodnett et al. 2011). This paper adds a German perspective on one-to-one-care and discusses how the results from international studies can be transferred into the German midwifery context.A literature search was conducted in 12/2012.One-to-one care seems to be effective for decreasing intervention rates. Results of international studies demonstrate differences in settings, supporting persons and defining one-to-one care and impede that the right conclusions can be drawn for the German context. -Especially the effect of midwifery presence in the German context isn't conducted sufficiently.Professional care and trusting emotional support incorporated by one person seems to be the best way to deliver one-to-one care and to avoid fragmentation of care. Organisational barriers should be dismantled to realize this aim.National Research is needed to evaluate the effects of one-to-one care by midwives.