Consumer Reports recently published a quiz on pregnancy and birth. While it doesn't seem like this would be something the are interested in, it's right up their alley because medical care is used by consumers. That's us.
The Birth Survey is set up for women who have given birth in the last three years. It takes the data and compiles it, like a Consumer Reports type set of information, and allows women to search for a prenatal care practitioner (doctor or midwife) in their area. They can then read about the practitioners before making their decision and see how others rated these practitioners as well as the local places of birth. These results are now live!
This helps women compare their hospital choices and pick the right one for them.
I got to help work on this project just a tiny bit and I'm really excited about it. This really gives a voice to women to help others find a midwife or doctor in their area with more than a stabbing finger in the member directory of your health insurance or phone book. I also love the fact that women can share their birth stories and be heard.
This survey is run by the non-profit group Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS), founder of the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative.