My long-term readers, friends, and family are already aware of my experience-based stance on labor inductions and augmentations. Lately we're (finally) seeing an influx of doctors and researchers openly discussing the serious risks that these types of interventions impose on both mother and baby, despite their generally accepted usage. The effects might be something as common as fetal decelerations of the heart or, occasionally, something far more dangerous and life-threatening like placenta abruption as an unfortunate result of uterine hyperstimulation.
These types of conditions are now occurring at an alarming rate as we continue to mess with the nature of birth, leading more mothers on a straight path to unnecessary, intervention-created (iatrogenic) cesarean section. We hear, quite often, "Thank God they were able to save me and my baby" or similarly "I'm sure glad I was in the hospital when this happened!" However, peer-reviewed studies now provide compelling evidence that typical hospital interventions, like induction, are most often the cause of an emergency c-section to begin with. Who knew?!
People wonder how my home birth, with a rockin' midwife, after two prior cesareans could have possibly been so easy and perfect. I think I'll add this short video to my growing repertoire of evidence on why. This brief report, filled with compelling testimony from several OB/GYNs, a medical director, OB/GYN residents, a cardiologist, ER doctors, an anesthesiologist, nurse practitioner, PhD professor/childbirth researcher, and various other participants, presents the data in a summarized, easy-to-understand manner. Enjoy!
FOLLOW-UP: While this film mentions (at the end) passing a Massachusetts bill for Certified Nurse Midwives, don't forget that Nebraska is currently attempting to pass similar legislation. Visit Nebraska Friends of Midwives today to find out how you can help facilitate a wider variety of safe birthing options for the women and mothers of our state!
I’m a joyful woman who wears many hats, including: wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter, cousin, friend, teacher, librarian, and follower of Christ. I’m also an ex-public school teacher turned SAHM turned unschooling mom. Our little midwestern family is tremendously grateful for the liberties we have to home school, 
10 ♥ thoughtful comments ♥:
My kiddos were both eased into the world with the help of certified nurse midwives. Their births were beautiful, and I am so grateful I was aware of midwifery (and were near an amazing birth center) when I was expecting.
I couldn't have said it better myself! So many of my friends have the approach of "good for you for choosing a midwife, but that's not for me". I just wish more women would explore their birth options so they can experience what so many of us already know! I had an awesome birth and tell everyone I know about my midwife and her birth center!!! I can't wait us to have another one so I can have this experience again!
This is a great video! Too many people when they heard of my choice to give birth at home would respond, "Oh! You're so brave!" And I always responded, "I'd have to be a lot braver to give birth at a hospital!" I think all it takes is to experience both ways and then it's obvious which choice is better. I am so glad that Mass. and Nebraska are realizing how important midwifery is as well as birth centers and especially HOME! I love that you posted this blog and think you are AMAZING!
Great post, I so agree! take care
Sad not to see the video, but I trust you. I'm sure it was good! And I do know what you have been through. After all, I am your mama. And I'm proud of you.
Oh, you tease, you tease!! :D
I think your experience and guidance help many expectant mothers in their birthing decisions. Bravo to you!
Great post. I'm totally bummed about them taking down the video. I wonder why...
After experiencing the hospital, I vowed never to go there again unless I was actively dying. Hence, my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th children were born in the comfort and privacy of my own bedroom, with a qualified midwife in attendance.
I will counsel my daughters to do the same- unless liberal Washington has thier way with health care. In which case, I may counsel them to break the law.
Lots of food for thought here - well written. I am now a grammie and won't be having anymore little ones myself but I always thought I would be a good midwife - except for the fact that I might tend to get very excited, emotional and teary! As always I enjoyed my visit!
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