The Hospital and the Postpartum Experience: A Historical Analysis

Early 20th century untrained nursing staff in the Rockhampton district: a necessary evil?

“…However, Robertson's (1992) oral history research in South Australia identifies three contributing factors: acceptance of the medical profession's argument that hospital birthing was safer, pain control and cost. Martell (2000) confirms these factors within the USA, and adds the dislocation of the extended family and increased urbanization as further factors. It was noted earlier that increased medical intervention in childbirth prior to the 1930s was not safer than community‐based midwifery; however, Martyr (2002, p. 260) found that the medical profession was very adept at using the media, particular in the 1930s, to promote their image as the sole authoritative voice on healing and birthing.…”

Effects of a Law against Early Postpartum Discharge on Newborn Follow-up, Adverse Events, and HMO Expenditures

“…2,3 Managed-care organizations and advocates for "demedicalizing" childbirth have argued that most postpartum services could be provided safely at home. 4 Critics have countered that early discharge is primarily aimed at cost containment and that complications in newborns might go undetected. 5,6 Guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend at least 48 hours of postpartum hospitalization but add that earlier discharge is reasonable if newborns are examined again within 48 hours after discharge.…”

Postpartum Women's Perceptions of the Hospital Environment

“…When the maternity wards were cleaned up and doctors washed their hands, the rates of infection dropped dramatically. Cleanliness and asepsis from then on were hallmarks of the hospital environment for birth and postpartum care until the middle of the 20th century (Martell, 2000).…”