Friday, December 14, 2007

Pregnant in America

The trailer for this film will get you contemplating about birth practices and what can be done to make birth better. The cesarean rate is at an all time high of 31.1 %. Many women feel that they have no say in their care during labor and birth. A woman will always remember giving birth. It is important that the experience be empowering. Please watch "Pregnant In America". Peace

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

A Commercial for Midwives

I really wish all women could have access to a midwife. In the United States there are still states were midwives are not able to practice legally. Women who want to become midwives are not able to get the training that they need.

I know that midwives are not promoted enough! Everyone knows about the epidural, but not enough women know that if they have a midwife then they can give birth successfully. The research is in that shows that for low risk pregnancies the care of a midwife is best.

What troubles me is that my own midwife informed me that midwives just do not use enough interventions and so their births cost less. They do not earn the hospital or insurance companies enough money.

I just have to believe that the word will get out that midwives are so empowering. My midwife let me know that the birth was mine, and she was only present to support me in every possible way. I wish all women could have a woman like that standing by her side when she gave birth. The midwife was present my entire labor never leaving me.

When the baby came ought she caught the baby and handed her up between my legs as I was standing and that was it. She never said a word, I was the first one to check and voice the sex as I did not know before hand. I said it is a girl. That was a powerful moment. The midwife let me have that moment she did not take it from me. I wish all women could feel the power of owning their birth in that way.

The midwife came to check me the next day, and day 3, day 5, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. What care during postpartum. I owe my breastfeeding success to my midwife. I am stronger and a better woman because of midwife. How I wish all woman knew and could have a midwife care for them!


Peace

Resources
Midwifery Today
Citizens for Midwifery
California Association of Midwives
Rosenthal Perinatal College
Approved Midwifery Schools by California Medical Board
Midwifery Education
Midwives Alliance