Early epidurals could not slow labor down
NICUs could have private rooms for parents to stay nearby to newborns
Placentas could be used for burns, wounds, menopause, postpartum health, etc.
The breastfeeding "Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative" could be harmful to new mothers / babies
Nerve injuries / paralysis could be reduced during childbirth
The ambulance / hospital referral system for pregnant women / others could improve in developing countries
People could have additional time with deceased loved ones in hospitals / hospices
Parents of premie / preterm / NICU babies could receive extended parental leave
New mothers (particularly with birth injuries / tearing) could have the option of staying longer in the hospital post-childbirth
Antenatal breastmilk expression / collecting colostrum before birth could be beneficial for moms / babies
Breath / relaxation versus pushing could be more effective during childbirth labor
Screening for small placentas could prevent 30% of stillbirths
Labor inductions could be unnecessary / painful / require more interventions
New parents could go to a "village" retreat center after birth
The postpartum period could have "closing of the bones" ceremonies / belly binding
Expectant mothers could have virtual expert support 24/7 / proactive screening / postpartum support / wearable health technology / insurance covered doulas
Electronic fetal monitoring could be more accurate / use wireless sensors / be easier for mothers to use / internal
Earlier versus later (before 42 weeks) labor induction could be lower risk
Vaginal stitching / numbing / anesthesia could be botched / better during childbirth
Azithromycin could prevent maternal sepsis
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPM) could be prevented by obstetric measuring drapes / trays, IV iron infusions, misoprostol, balloons, and/or E-MOTIVE guidelines
Newborn babies could wait to be bathed
Warm compresses / perineal massage / hands on / other methods could prevent vaginal tears during childbirth
Fundal pressure / massage after childbirth could be unnecessary
Pregnant women could have the right / ability to get elective c-sections
Newborns and mothers could have uninterrupted skin-to-skin for at least 1-3 "golden hours" after birth / stay together as much as possible
Cervical membrane sweeping could be an informed choice / consent in childbirth and might not work
Nitrous oxide / other pain management methods could be used for childbirth
Cord clamping could be delayed in childbirth
Pregnancy cervical / vaginal checks could be unnecessary / harmful
The third stage of labor / afterbirth could be natural / less painful
Monitoring heartbeats / blood pressure / infections / iron levels at home could prevent maternal pregnancy death
Stillbirths could be prevented / researched more
Cord blood, tissue, and/or the placenta could be used for medical purposes rather than thrown away
C-sections could be gentler / safer
Pregnant women could be more prepared for / informed about C-sections
The false dichotomy between a "natural" / "unnatural" childbirth could change
The risks of vaginal births to both mother / child could be fully researched, considered, explained, and treated
Women could have easy-to-use mirrors during puberty, birth, and other times
Underwear could have room for ice / heat packs
Adequate paid leave / time off could be offered after miscarriage, stillbirth, grief / bereavement, and/or other traumatic events
The 4-6 week timeline for sexual readiness after childbirth could be misleading
Postpartum care could be improved, sooner, include screening, and have home visits to prevent harm / deaths
Squatting / walking / water / pelvic positioning could be used for childbirth
More awareness / treatment for postpartum PTSD could be available
Early Labor Lounges (ELL) could reduce the need for cesarean births
Postpartum healthcare for new moms / gynecology could improve, include screening, and incorporate insurance-covered pelvic floor / physical therapy
Pregnant women and new mothers could access workouts to prevent diastasis recti
The U.S. could have less maternal deaths through systemic review / standardization of treatment
A plastic bag device could be used for safer childbirth
New parents could get infant training / check-ins after birth
Motorcycles / bicycles could deliver emergency healthcare more effectively
Birthing / newborn kits could be provided to mothers without hospital or health clinic access
Absorbent underwear could help with periods and incontinence
Doctors could perform less C-sections / cesareans to prevent future complications and deaths
