Cervical ripening and induction and augmentation of labor are common procedures in labor and birth units. The potential risks and benefits of the procedures should be explained to women so they can make an informed decision. Nurses should be knowledgeable about the methods and medications used and be skilled in maternal-fetal assessment. Adequate nurse staffing as per the AWHONN (2022c)Standards for Professional Registered Nurse Staffing for Perinatal Units is required to monitor the woman and fetus to promote the best possible outcomes. This practice monograph includes information on mechanical and pharmacologic methods for cervical ripening; labor induction and augmentation with oxytocin, a high alert drug; and nurse staffing levels needed to provide safe and effective care during cervical ripening and labor induction and augmentation.

Cervical ripening and induction and augmentation of labor are common procedures in labor and birth units. The potential risks and benefits of the procedures should be explained to women so they can make an informed decision. Nurses should be knowledgeable about the methods and medications used and be skilled in maternal-fetal assessment. Adequate nurse staffing as per the AWHONN (2022c)Standards for Professional Registered Nurse Staffing for Perinatal Units is required to monitor the woman and fetus to promote the best possible outcomes. This practice monograph includes information on mechanical and pharmacologic methods for cervical ripening; labor induction and augmentation with oxytocin, a high alert drug; and nurse staffing levels needed to provide safe and effective care during cervical ripening and labor induction and augmentation.

Respectful maternity care (RMC) is a topic that has received increasing focus among clinicians, researchers, and the public in recent years. While clinicians recognize the importance of respectful care, patients report that they are not consistently receiving it. The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) created the RMC Framework, Evidence-Based Guidelines and Implementation Toolkit to provide nursing teams with the knowledge, tools, and structures they need to promote RMC. For true change to happen, the implementation of respectful care must be translated across the maternity care continuum, including in the NICU. This article shares a health care organization's journey toward respectful, equitable maternity care for women, neonates, and their families. This article outlines the AWHONN RMC Framework and the leverage of its components to promote RMC for neonates and their families in the NICU. The outcomes of these efforts are also highlighted.