North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

According to Lesser and Keane, which of the following is NOT one of the five needs of a woman in labor?

1. Bodily or physical care

2. Access to advanced medical technology

3. Relief from pain

4. Information and reassurance of a safe outcome

The correct answer is: Access to advanced medical technology

The correct choice highlights that according to Lesser and Keane, access to advanced medical technology is not one of the fundamental needs of a woman in labor. The focus in labor support is primarily on the psychological and physical aspects of care that address a woman's immediate experience during labor. Bodily or physical care, for instance, emphasizes the importance of the mother’s physical comfort, which can include hydration, position changes, and other supportive measures. Relief from pain is central to the birthing experience, as managing pain effectively contributes to a more positive and less stressful labor. Furthermore, providing information and reassurance about safety helps to alleviate anxiety and builds trust between the laboring woman and her care providers. While advanced medical technology plays an important role in certain situations, its necessity is not a universal need during labor. The primary aim during this phase is to facilitate a supportive environment that prioritizes the intrinsic needs of the woman over the availability of technology.