We are currently witnessing changes in our cultural and practical understanding of childbirth, resulting in a higher rate of interventions and lower rates of vaginal deliveries. As a response to this phenomenon there is a small movement of women who are choosing to labour unassisted, without any medical intervention, assistance, or presence.
Patient Initiated Elective Caesarean Section
Jude Kornelsen and Eileen Hutton were funded by the Canadian Insistutes of Health Research and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research to investigate patient-initiated caesarean section (PIECS). Four papers were published from the results of this study. Please visit our page on PIECS for more information.
Unassisted Home Birth
Jude Kornelsen’s more recent study looking at modalities of birth is on the opposite end of the spectrum. She is currently undergoing an investigation into the decision-making process of women and their families who choose to give birth unassisted, without a doctor or midwife present. Please visit our page on Unassisted Home Birth for more information.