Over the past five years thirty hospitals in the Czech Republic have started offering pelvic steam sessions to their patients during active labor as a natural aid. 

Some of the observations that they have noted among their steam patients include reduced episiotomies and reduced medical prescriptions.

The total number of steam patients is nationwide is estimated to be around 1000 and growing daily.

Since the steam sessions take place by medical providers it is officially recorded in the patients’ records presenting a unique opportunity to compare how the steam labors compare to the non-steam labors.

With this type of comparative analysis it would be necessary to look at: a) the steam patients versus non-steam patients per hospital; as well as b) the overall steam patient data from all the hospitals combined and the overall non-steam patients from all the hospitals combined. This would allow for some insight regarding the various hospital policies as well as overall trends.

Indicators of interest include patient satisfaction, length of labor, perineal tears and medical interventions. Among medical interventions we would want to look at how many of the steam patients had pitocin, epidurals, episiotomies, sutures and transfers to cesarean compared to the non-steam patients. We would also screen to see if other holistic methods were used and/or doulas present at the births.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the study would be to collect information that may help us to understand if steaming during labor has medical benefit outside of providing a relaxing experience during labor. If found that the steam patients had fewer cesareans and other interventions than the non-steam patients this would be an important medical finding in obstetrics with the potential for a far and wide outcome. 

DURATION OF STUDY:

2 Years

EXPENSE:

$250,000 per year

TOTAL:

$500,000

STATUS:

Head Researcher and Medical Doctor are in place.

Currently seeking a partnership with an individual donor or a foundation to fund this research initiative.

If interested in becoming a funding partner please contact Keli Garza hi@steamychick.com .