[031] ‘MTSU On the Record’ examines best practices for childbirth educators

MURFREESBORO — The tactical tightrope that childbirth educators must walk when trying to help women through pregnancy and labor is the subject of the next “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Barbara Turnage, a professor in the Department of Social Work, will air from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, and from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and www.wmot.org).

Turnage, along with assistant professor Justin Bucchio and department chair Rebecca Smith, authored “Child-birthing Practices on a Global Level” for the April 2016 edition of the International Journal of Childbirth Education.

The professors pointed out the role of childbirth educators in assisting women in making birthing decisions and dealing with cultural and family issues that might have an impact on the health of the mother and child.

“We want them to make the best choice based on this information they have,” said Turnage. “But sometimes, even though the woman might want to go and get the medical services, they might not have the ability to make that decision. And you have to accept that.” 

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, go to http://bit.ly/mtsu-otr.

For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.