title: Research summaries for normal birth.
abstract: In this column, the author presents summaries of four research studies that further support the benefits of normal birth. The topics of the studies address midwifery care practices, labor induction and increased medical costs, vaginal birth after cesarean, and labor support from student nurse-doulas.
authors.affiliation: AMY ROMANO is a certified-nurse midwife who cares for women and their families in a freestanding birth center in Wilmington, Delaware. She is also the Web site editor of the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth ( www.normalbirth.lamaze.org ).
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Romano