Childbirth connection just released the 2008 “Evidence-Based Maternity Care” report and the 2008 “New Mother’s Speak Out” report. Click here to view either report. There were interesting findings in both reports. I especially enjoyed the “Listening to Mothers” results that were compiled into the report for “New Mother’s Speak Out”. It is nice to know that many mothers struggle in these same areas, especially when women often experience a feeling of being alone in their dilemmas during the postpartum phase. It is also beneficial to recognize in advance what the problem areas may be, so that you can anticipate them during your current pregnancy. For example the report talks about the challenges mothers faced when returning to work, getting exercise, and continuing breastfeeding. I believe that these reports serve as a thermometer of sorts, to take the current social temperature and find out where we stand on these maternity issues.

What are your thoughts on these reports?