The question we asked was: Were they better or worse off for having been coached to push?

We're inching down that path. But to make a sweeping statement that there's no need for coaching anymore wouldn't be accurate. Especially for women with an epidural [anesthetic], it may be appropriate.

There were no other findings to show that coaching or not coaching was advantageous or harmful.

Data such as ours suggest we may need to rethink that traditional teaching. A better approach is to allow the woman to do that which makes her feel more comfortable.

Oftentimes it's best for the patient to do what's more comfortable for her.

There's plumbers, electricians, landscapers - that's all great. I don't do plumbing. This (vasectomies) is the kind of plumbing I do.