A positive sign for midwives at the Rotkreuzklinikum in Munich
The Rotkreuzklinikum in Munich is set to pioneer a significant change in their approach to childbirth. Known for its already expansive maternity facilities, the clinic is introducing a new midwife-led birthing room.
Modern obstetric practices are experiencing a shift towards a holistic approach in providing maternal care. A notable development illustrating this change is occurring at Munich's Rotkreuzklinikum , already home to six birthing rooms. The facility is poised to inaugurate an additional birthing room where midwives, independently, will be entrusted with overseeing childbirths. This exceptional suite, set to open in the coming fall, is dedicated to catering to expectant mothers opting for natural births with minimal medical interventions and scant use of pharmaceuticals.
The current model, known as the "interprofessional" birthing room, involves a collaborative practice between a doctor and a midwife. However, the forthcoming midwife-led room intends to deliver obstetric services predominantly under midwife supervision. Ina Rühl, the Head of Obstetrics at the Rotkreuzklinikum since April, has been the torchbearer of this concept. Rühl advocates for enabling natural birth processes, as this approach aligns with the preferences of most women.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema
The concept of 'natural' in this setting implies providing the mother with the required time for labor, offering one-on-one care without reliance on labor-inducing medication. One midwife is designated to provide continuous care throughout labor, with additional support from another midwife during the second and third phases of labor. The goal, Rühl emphasizes, is to facilitate a birth experience that is as pleasant as possible and devoid of any distressing incidents.
Substantiated by research, Rühl, 48, asserts that the midwifery model of care effectively decreases cesarean section rates and encourages a more relaxed atmosphere for expectant mothers. Moreover, this approach guarantees comprehensive support to women during labor, ensuring their comfort. After registering for the new birthing suite, mothers-to-be will have opportunities to meet and regularly interact with their midwives. Regular assessments will be performed to ascertain the possibility of a risk-free birth. Hence, only uncomplicated, low-risk births will be allowed in the new birthing suite. Multiple births or those involving babies in a breech position, for instance, are ruled out.
The clinic is currently repurposing a former four-bed room into an expansive birthing suite. It will be equipped with soft lighting, a water pool, warm hues, and comfortable chairs for expectant fathers. It has a capacity to accommodate simultaneous births for two women. Moreover, Rühl mentions an additional, 'beautiful' room overlooking nature, where women can relax before the onset of active labor. The suite's proximity to the 'interprofessional' birthing room is a key feature, ensuring that comprehensive care is immediately accessible should unexpected situations arise.
Interest in a midwife-led birthing suite had been considerable among midwives and doctors since 2020, but discussions were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic until December 2022. Both the Health Department and the Red Cross Clinic expressed a keen interest in the concept from the beginning, leading to an enthusiastic response at the recent health committee meeting, mirroring Rühl's excitement.
Munich's mayor Verena Dietl is also happy: The possibility of such a birthing room symbolizes a positive sign for the midwives.
