Restorative Reproductive Medicine NaProTechnology
The role of midwife in the treatment of infertility using the NaProTechnology method
Original title (Polish) Rola położnej w terapii niepłodności metodą NaProTechnology
RRM Academy Synopsis
Midwives may join NaProTechnology care teams for infertile couples
A Polish review proposes that midwives may be important members of the NaProTechnology care team for infertile couples. The authors cite midwives' training in women's health and emotional support. The review describes the program and reports results from Ireland, Canada and Poland.
Key Findings
- The authors report that infertility affects 20–30% of couples in Poland, so doctors and midwives encounter couples with this problem with increasing frequency.
- The authors state that midwives can teach lifestyle and cycle observation, refer women for tests and to specialists, and take vaginal cultures, adding cytology and ultrasound after further courses.
- Among 1072 respondents, 25.5% of couples who completed the two-year NaProTechnology program had a live birth.
- Among 350 couples (33% of those studied) whose earlier IVF treatment had been unsuccessful, 32.6% conceived during NaProTechnology treatment, and most carried the pregnancy.
- In Canada, 51 of 108 couples with diagnosed infertility or recurrent miscarriage conceived, and 41 had a live birth; all of the births were single births.
Interpretation
The article is a review published in Polish with an English abstract. The authors describe the NaProTechnology program and argue for a midwife on the care team. The outcome figures come from published reports in Ireland, Canada and Poland, each with its own group of couples. The authors note that Poland has few NaProTechnology clinics, which limits patient access. Midwifery education includes gynecology, preconception care and fertility recognition methods, which the authors present as the basis for the role.
RRM Context
Restorative reproductive medicine seeks the cause of infertility and works with the body's cycle. NaProTechnology, developed by Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers, builds its care on the couple's charted cycle and a team of a physician, a menstrual cycle instructor, a nurse or midwife and other specialists. The review further describes evaluation of both partners, including semen analysis for the man.
Abstract
Introduction
The problem of infertility covers to 20-30% of couples in Poland, so doctors, midwives and other health care professionals during her practice more and more often meet women and couples suffering from this problem now or in the past.
Discussion
The NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology, NPT) is a diagnostic and therapeutic method in the reproductive health disorders. It is a comprehensive program of therapy with the exception of the assisted reproduction treatments. Systemic, hormonal and surgical treatment, in addition to health care professionals, support psychologists and clergy, because the coordinated cooperation of specialists in various fields provides a holistic care of the patient and her family. Among these specialists, a midwife may be an important member of the therapeutic team in a taking care of infertile couples. Her education gives her the right competence to take care of a woman and her family in the area of physiology and a promotion of procreative health.
Keywords
infertility, NaProTechnology, holistic care, the role of midwife.
Read the guide
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What Is NaProTechnology? A Guide for Patients Looking for a NaPro Doctor
NaProTechnology diagnoses and treats the underlying conditions driving infertility, menstrual disorders, and early pregnancy loss. This guide covers how the method works, published outcomes data, how to find a qualified provider, and what to expect on cost and insurance.
