#birthoptions

[nathfiset]

Hospital natural birth

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By clicking on either buttons, you are agreeing to our TOS and disclaimers and will be redirected to an affiliate cord blood banking provider. We might get financial compensation if you sign up with them through our affiliate links. Unlock your special discounts by adding your promo code.CORD300 in the coupon field to get $300 OFF cord blood and tissue banking. OR cord200 to get $200 OFF if you are getting cord blood banking only. I want more information on cord blood banking

Hospital natural birth

Opting for a natural birth at the hospital has become a popular choice among expectant mothers in recent years.This approach focuses on embracing natural techniques and minimal medical intervention, allowing the birthing process to unfold at its own pace.While some choose home births or birthing centers, hospitals now offer the option for a natural birth, combining the assurance of a medical setting with the desired birthing experience.In this discussion, we'll explore the concept of natural birth in a hospital setting, touching on its benefits, challenges, and how to prepare for this unique childbirth experience.We'll also gain insights from healthcare professionals and mothers who've successfully navigated natural births in a hospital setting, offering valuable information for those contemplating this option.In the midst of the growing popularity of natural birth, access to reliable information is crucial for expectant mothers to make informed decisions about their birthing plan.Let's delve into the world of natural birth at the hospital and discover the possibilities it holds.**Embracing the Benefits of Natural Birth**Opting for natural birth in a hospital setting offers numerous advantages for both mother and baby. By avoiding medical interventions like anesthesia or epidurals, individuals can experience the full range of sensations and hormones that contribute to the birthing process.This promotes a deeper connection between mother and baby. Additionally, natural birth can lead to a quicker recovery for the mother, eliminating the need for invasive procedures.It also aids the baby in a smoother transition into the world, potentially reducing the risk of complications. Choosing natural birth allows mothers to feel empowered and accomplished, having navigated childbirth with minimal medical intervention.**Crafting a Birth Plan for a Personalized Experience**Creating a comprehensive birth plan is a crucial step in preparing for a natural birth at the hospital. This plan acts as a communication tool, enabling expectant parents to clearly express their preferences for the birthing process. It ensures healthcare providers are aware of the mother's choices regarding pain management, labor positions, and the inclusion of support persons during delivery. A well-thought-out birth plan empowers mothers, providing a sense of control and support, with their wishes and needs respected throughout this transformative experience. This tool also aids healthcare providers in understanding the mother's medical history, cultural considerations, and unique circumstances, fostering open communication for a positive and satisfying birth experience.**Finding a Supportive Healthcare Provider**When embarking on the journey of natural birth in a hospital, finding a supportive healthcare provider is paramount. A supportive healthcare provider possesses not only the necessary medical expertise but also understands and respects the desire for a natural birth. They actively listen, answer questions, and address concerns, building trust and collaboration. A supportive healthcare provider values personalized care, offering guidance and support throughout the birthing process. Shared decision-making is prioritized, ensuring the mother's preferences are considered. Establishing a strong, supportive relationship with a healthcare provider lays the foundation for a positive and empowering natural birthing experience.**Choosing a Hospital Aligned with Natural Birthing Values**Carefully considering birthing options offered by different hospitals is essential when preparing for a natural birth. Hospitals may vary in their approaches to supporting natural childbirth. Seek a hospital with a reputation for promoting and encouraging natural birth experiences, equipped with a dedicated birthing center or labor and delivery unit designed to accommodate the needs of those opting for natural birth. Inquire about the hospital's policies on interventions during labor, such as epidurals or continuous fetal monitoring. Choosing a hospital aligned with your preferences enhances the overall birthing experience.**Navigating the Stages of Labor**Understanding the distinct stages of labor is vital for those opting for natural birth at the hospital. Early labor involves the gradual thinning and opening of the cervix, often lasting for several hours or days. Contractions are mild and irregular, gradually increasing in frequency and intensity. The second stage, active labor, sees more regular and intense contractions, with the urge to push becoming prominent. Close collaboration with healthcare providers helps manage pain and find comfortable positions during this stage. The third stage involves delivering the placenta shortly after the baby's birth. Recognizing these stages empowers individuals to navigate the birthing process and make informed decisions during natural birth at the hospital.**Coping Techniques for a Positive Birthing Experience**Various coping techniques can ease discomfort and promote a positive birthing experience during natural birth at the hospital. Breathing exercises, such as deep and focused breathing, help maintain calmness during contractions. Visualization techniques, imagining a peaceful environment, reduce anxiety and enhance a sense of control. Comfortable positions, like standing or using a birthing ball, alleviate pressure and maintain mobility. Relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery, enhance coping abilities. It's crucial to discuss and practice these techniques with healthcare providers before the birth to ensure preparedness and confidence during the process.**The Vital Role of a Birth Partner**The presence of a supportive birth partner is crucial throughout the natural birth process at the hospital. A birth partner provides emotional and physical support, advocating for the birthing person's needs and preferences. Offering reassurance, encouragement, and a calming presence, the birth partner contributes to creating a positive and empowering birthing environment. They assist with comfort measures, such as massage, position changes, and providing hydration and nourishment. Serving as a communication bridge between the laboring person and the healthcare team, the birth partner ensures wishes and concerns are effectively conveyed. Active participation of a birth partner enhances the overall childbirth experience.**Advocating for Birth Preferences**Advocating for birth preferences is essential for those seeking natural birth at the hospital. Open and proactive communication with healthcare providers ensures that the birthing person's wishes are respected and incorporated into their care plan. Discussing preferred labor positions, pain management options, and potential medical interventions empowers individuals to express desires and concerns. Actively participating in decision-making processes fosters a collaborative relationship with the healthcare team, ultimately enhancing the birthing experience.**Preparing for Unexpected Interventions**While the goal of natural birth at the hospital is to minimize interventions, acknowledging the possibility of unexpected interventions is crucial. Despite careful planning, unforeseen circumstances may arise, necessitating medical interventions for the safety of both the birthing person and the baby. Mental preparedness and open communication with healthcare providers help individuals approach unexpected interventions with resilience and confidence. Understanding common interventions and their potential benefits and risks aids in making informed decisions aligned with birth preferences. By acknowledging the potential for unexpected interventions and preparing for them, individuals can adapt to varying circumstances while striving for a positive birthing experience.**Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact**Skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and their parent or caregiver offers numerous benefits for the baby's overall well-being and development. Immediate contact after birth helps regulate the baby's body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, facilitating a smooth transition from the womb to the outside world. Physical closeness stimulates the release of hormones that enhance bonding and feelings of security. This contact promotes successful breastfeeding initiation and establishes a strong breastfeeding relationship. Beyond the initial hours, skin-to-skin contact is associated with improved sleep patterns, reduced stress levels, and enhanced cognitive and emotional development in infants. Regular incorporation of skin-to-skin contact into the postnatal period nurtures a supportive environment for the baby's growth and well-being.**In Conclusion**Natural birth at the hospital, while not the most popular choice, remains a valid and safe option with the support of a skilled medical team. It is crucial for mothers to conduct research and make informed decisions about their birthing plan. Simultaneously, healthcare professionals should provide unbiased

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[doulacollective]

A Lotus Birth

by Alysse

A lotus birth is a birth practice (and an option!) where the umbilical cord is not severed, it is left intact and attached to the baby. It is often wrapped and placed in a bowl and then the mother and child are left to bond. In 3- 10 days, the umbilical cord dries out and detaches from the baby. A benefit includes your baby receiving all the blood from the placenta. The idea is that you are honouring the connection between the baby and the placenta.

While there have been many studies on delayed cord clamping there have not been any studies on the effectiveness of leaving the cord untouched. Many people believe that leaving the cord intact creates a calmer entrance into the world for the baby. There are some cultures around the world where this is a typical birth practice, such as present-day Bali. Most monkeys and chimpanzees also do not cut or chew the cord, although many other animals do.

There are risks involved with having a lotus birth, such as a bacterial infection, so if you wish to have a lotus birth, please talk to your care provider. When it is practiced it is often during homebirths rather than hospital births, although it has been recently allowed in Australian hospitals.

If you do decide to have a lotus birth there are steps to take to help the placenta take longer to deteriorate. Immediately after the placenta is delivered it is placed in a bowl. After approximately an hour, the placenta would then be rinsed off, dried and then preservatives would put on it. The preservatives used are usually salt mixed with herbs. After the placenta has been preserved, it is wrapped in terrycloth or muslin. There are kits that can be bought that include the preservatives and linen-lined silk bags to carry the placenta in while waiting for it to detach.

If a lotus birth is chosen the placenta cannot be encapsulated or ingested. A lovely idea is to bury the placenta along with a tree, plant or annual flower to commemorate the birth of the baby.

[placentamom]

A client opted for cord blood donation, which works with encapsulation, & is one option. Other options include banking or simply delayed cord clamping for baby's benefit. #birthoptions #birthplan #cordblooddonation #cordbloodbanking #delayedcordclamping #kaiserpermanente #roseville #placentatime #placentamom #sacramento #placentaencapsulation (at Kaiser Roseville Women And Children's) https://www.instagram.com/p/CboXxMsLQOd/?utm_medium=tumblr

[seebaby]

VBAC Support; It's As Simple As That at See Baby

VBAC Support; It’s As Simple As That at See Baby

  We at See Baby Midwifery are in constant wonderment of the Mom’s who choose to VBAC, as the journey for all involved is typically a healthy one based on “shared decision making” and “shared responsibility”.

At See Baby Midwifery (SBM), VBAC very often feels like this; well supported, safe, intentional and uplifting; thereby we want to share 2 wonderous births that occurred w/i 24 hours this…

[improvingbirth]

Did you know? American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - ACOG clearly states in their Practice Bulletin No. 184 that having had 2 prior cesareans, carrying a suspected "big" baby, going beyond 40 weeks gestation, and having a twin pregnancy following a cesarean are not reasons to prevent someone from seeking a TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean) or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean.) #improvingbirth #beinformed #vbac #birthoptions

[doulaheidi]

1 in 4. 1 in 5. 1 in 3. Depending on the resource, you'll hear all sorts of numbers reflecting how many women have experienced some form of physical abuse. (No matter the stats, one is too many.) When it comes to sexual abuse, labor and birth can either be triggering or healing or a combination of both. I can't say exactly when this came onto my radar professionally, but the topic has been a focus of mine for a few years now. Being able to help my Doula Clients feel safe and supported during labor is so important to me. THIS book, Survivor Moms, is such an amazing resource. From cover to cover, it is packed full of stories from survivors side by side with research evidence on the effects of trauma and ways to heal. If you work in the birth field in any capacity, you really need to read this book. (Penny Simkin's book, When Survivors Give Birth, is another must-have. I would love to one day attend her Workshop for care providers. It's on my bucket list.) . . . #birthdoula #compassion #trauma #healing #birthoptions #birthisbeautiful #empoweredbirth #healingbirth #ptsd #survivor #1in4 #abusesurvivor #midwives #laboranddelivery #childbirth (at Doula Heidi Duncan - Expecting New Life Birth Services)

[asideofcrunchy]

Tweeted

For the love of all things mighty, just support your friends even if it's not for you.https://t.co/PpIF64n2nQ #blacklash #negativenancy #birthoptions #pregnancylife pic.twitter.com/ipe72xlcK8

— A Side of Crunchy (@asideofcrunchy) November 9, 2018

[nathfiset]

Natural hospital birth

I am ready to enroll in cord blood banking NOW and get my special discount!

By clicking on either buttons, you are agreeing to our TOS and disclaimers and will be redirected to an affiliate cord blood banking provider. We might get financial compensation if you sign up with them through our affiliate links. Unlock your special discounts by adding your promo code.CORD300 in the coupon field to get $300 OFF cord blood and tissue banking. OR cord200 to get $200 OFF if you are getting cord blood banking only. I want more information on cord blood banking

Natural hospital birth

Opting for a natural birth at the hospital has become a popular choice for expectant mothers seeking a more holistic birthing experience.This approach emphasizes the use of natural techniques, minimizing medical intervention and allowing the birthing process to unfold organically.While home births and birthing centers are common choices for a natural birth, hospitals are increasingly accommodating this preference, providing a reassuring medical setting for mothers who still want a natural birthing experience.In this article, we'll explore the concept of natural birth at the hospital, highlighting its benefits and potential challenges, and offering tips for preparation.We'll also hear insights from healthcare professionals and mothers who have successfully experienced a natural birth in a hospital setting.**Benefits of Choosing Natural Birth**Opting for natural birth at the hospital comes with numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. Steering clear of medical interventions, such as anesthesia or epidurals, allows the mother to fully experience the natural sensations and hormonal processes of childbirth, fostering a deeper connection between her and the baby.This approach can also lead to a quicker recovery for the mother and a smoother transition for the baby, potentially reducing the risk of complications. By choosing natural birth, mothers often feel empowered and accomplished, navigating childbirth with minimal medical interference.**Importance of Creating a Birth Plan**A crucial step in preparing for a natural birth at the hospital is creating a comprehensive birth plan. This plan serves as a communication tool, enabling expectant parents to clearly express their preferences and desires for the birthing process. It ensures that healthcare providers are aware of the mother's wishes regarding pain management, labor positions, and the inclusion of support persons during delivery. A well-thought-out birth plan provides a sense of control and support for the mother, as it communicates her needs and wishes to the healthcare team, creating a positive and transformative birthing experience.**Finding a Supportive Healthcare Provider**Embarking on the journey of natural birth at the hospital requires finding a supportive healthcare provider. A supportive provider not only possesses the necessary medical expertise but also understands and respects the mother's desire for a natural birth. Establishing a strong and supportive relationship with a healthcare provider sets the foundation for a positive and empowering natural birthing experience, ensuring personalized care and guidance throughout the process.**Choosing a Hospital with Birthing Options**When preparing for natural birth at the hospital, carefully consider the birthing options offered by different hospitals. Seek out hospitals with a reputation for supporting and encouraging natural birth experiences, including dedicated birthing centers or labor and delivery units designed for this purpose. Inquire about the hospital's policies on interventions during labor, as this can impact the feasibility of a natural birth. Choosing a hospital aligned with your preferences enhances the overall birthing experience.**Understanding the Stages of Labor**Understanding the stages of labor is essential for feeling prepared and empowered during natural birth at the hospital. Early labor involves the gradual opening of the cervix, followed by active labor characterized by more intense contractions. The final stage involves the delivery of the placenta. By recognizing these stages, mothers can navigate the process more confidently and make informed decisions about their birthing experience.**Coping Techniques for Natural Birth**Throughout the natural birth process at the hospital, various coping techniques can manage discomfort and promote a positive experience. Breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and finding comfortable positions are effective ways to stay calm and relaxed during contractions. Practice these techniques with your healthcare provider beforehand to ensure preparedness during labor.**The Role of a Birth Partner**The presence of a supportive birth partner is crucial during natural birth at the hospital. The birth partner provides emotional and physical support, advocating for the birthing person's needs and preferences. This support includes reassurance, encouragement, comfort measures, and effective communication with the healthcare team. A supportive birth partner contributes to a positive and fulfilling childbirth experience.**Advocating for Your Birth Preferences**Advocacy for birth preferences is essential for those seeking natural birth at the hospital. Engage in open and proactive communication with healthcare providers to ensure that your wishes are incorporated into your care plan. Discuss labor positions, pain management options, and potential interventions, empowering yourself to actively participate in decision-making and fostering a collaborative relationship with the healthcare team.**Preparing for Unexpected Interventions**While the goal of natural birth at the hospital is to minimize interventions, it's important to acknowledge the possibility of unexpected interventions. Be mentally prepared for unforeseen circumstances, maintaining open communication with healthcare providers throughout the birthing experience. Educate yourself about common interventions, their benefits, and risks to approach situations with realistic expectations while striving for a positive birth experience.**Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact**Skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and their parent has numerous benefits. This contact regulates the baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing, promoting a smooth transition from the womb. It also stimulates hormone release, enhancing bonding and feelings of security. Skin-to-skin contact supports successful breastfeeding initiation and has long-term benefits for the baby's development. Incorporate regular skin-to-skin contact in the postnatal period to nurture the baby's overall growth and well-being.**In Conclusion**While natural birth at the hospital might not be the most popular choice, it remains a valid and safe option. With a skilled medical team's support, a natural birth in a hospital setting is achievable. It's crucial for mothers to research and make informed decisions about their birthing plan, with medical professionals providing unbiased and individualized care. Ultimately, the well-being and safety of both the mother and the baby are paramount, and natural birth at the hospital can offer a successful and empowering experience for many women.**FAQ***What are the benefits of choosing natural birth at the hospital compared to other birthing options?*Choosing natural birth at the hospital offers several advantages. Hospitals have trained professionals and access to advanced technology, ensuring immediate medical assistance if complications arise. In emergencies, hospitals can perform necessary interventions, such as cesarean sections, safeguarding both mother and baby. Additionally, hospitals provide a supportive environment with pain relief options like epidurals to manage labor discomfort.*What pain management techniques are available for women opting for natural birth at the hospital?*Women opting for natural birth at the hospital have various pain management techniques. These include breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, massage, hydrotherapy, counter-pressure from a support person, changing positions, and alternative methods like acupuncture or aromatherapy. Discussing preferences with healthcare providers helps create a personalized birth plan that includes desired pain management techniques.*How does the hospital support the mother's birth plan and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for natural birth?*Hospitals support the mother's birth plan by offering resources and options for natural birth. Trained staff, such as midwives or doulas, provide guidance and support. Birthing rooms are equipped with amenities like birthing tubs and balls. The hospital prioritizes the mother's preferences, collaboratively creating a birth plan that aligns with her wishes while ensuring safety for both mother and baby.*Are there specific requirements or criteria for a woman to be eligible for a natural birth at the hospital?*Requirements for a natural birth at the hospital vary based on the hospital's policies and the woman's health circumstances. Generally, hospitals prioritize safety, considering factors like overall health, medical history, and labor progress. Open communication with the healthcare provider and hospital birthing team is crucial to determine eligibility and ensure a safe natural birth experience.*What resources or support services are available for women choosing natural birth at the hospital?*Women opting for natural birth at the hospital have access

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[seebaby]

An Interview with Dr. Bootstaylor; "Building Your VBAC Team"

An Interview with Dr. Bootstaylor; “Building Your VBAC Team”

Yesterday Dr. Bootstaylor had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Curtis, an El Paso area Doula, regarding how to create your optimal birth team. Dr. Bootstaylor explains that for a birth to feel empowering there must be alignment among your gathered team. In the interview he mentioned the Provider App that he created for Mothers…

[doulaheidi]

5 events for parents + 1 event for professionals coming up in the next few weeks. Take your pick: 1 hour, 3 hours or 18 hours of #evidencethatempowers! Savvy Birth 101, Savvy Birth Workshop for Parents, and the Pro Seminar Series are all created by @ebbirth, so you know they'll be chock-full of the most up-to-date info on birth options for families. (Pro seminar is worth 1.5 CEUs!) The Positive + Prepared Childbirth 6-week series is my own creation, presented from the unique perspective of serving birthing families for 16 years, witnessing first-hand the way birth care unfolds in a wide variety of circumstances. (You won't get "perfect world" / Pie in the Sky promises from me. But you'll hear a whole lot of reality and leave with confidence in what is possible! #expectingthebest #preparedfortherest 😉) All events will be held at Holistic Health Center, conveniently located off I-24 at exit 11. Get your tickets at link in bio. 👍 #SavvyBirth #birthoptions #babyontheway #tryingtoconceive #ttc #firstbaby #firsttrimester #secondbaby #secondtrimester #thirdtrimester #hireadoula #hospitalbirth #homebirth #birthcenterbirth #childbirthclass #evidencebasedbirthinstructor #BirthDoula #nashville #clarksvilletn #springfieldtn #ftcampbell #continuingeducation (at Holistic Health Center)

[rabbiswife]

Birth Plan Vs. G-d's Plan!

Okay. So I've finally had a few moments (at midnight) to gather my thoughts and write about my birth experience – and a very important lesson I learned in the process. Before having a baby, expectant mothers are encouraged to write a birth plan for the doctors or midwives to follow. Well, my birth plan for number four was a home birth. My first two were natural births with an epidural in hospital. I didn’t enjoy the effects of the epidural and I started looking for a different birthing experience for my third. I started reading and learning a lot and after being a doula for my sister’s water birth at home I knew that that was the direction I wanted to take.

One of the books that had a profound impact on me was a book called ‘Labor of Love’ by Rachel Broncher. I recommend it for all expectant moms. In addition to an in depth understanding of labor and how the body works, it provides incredible insight and wisdom from our rich Jewish heritage, empowering an inner strength of mind and belief in Hashem (G-d) and developing a sense of appreciation for partnering with G-d in the miracle of childbirth and embracing every part of the process for the gift that it is. It also gives tools for labor like breathing exercises and visualizations.

So for baby number three I decided to have a water birth free of any medical intervention or pain relief. I still hadn’t quite gotten my head around a home birth so I opted to have it with a midwife in hospital. Thank G-d it was an awesome experience. Powerful and Spiritual. And no epidural meant no negative side effects. The only downside was being at the hospital. Things like the stress of being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic to get there, having to sit on the bed to be monitored - slowing the labor in the process, and not being in my preferred environment made me feel that for my next birth I really wanted to be at home.

So when I fell pregnant with number four I started making plans for a home birth! I chatted with the midwives, bought all the necessary items to make it happen and was VERY excited and proud about my decision. But little did I know that G-d had other plans. Towards the end of the pregnancy the midwives picked up that the baby wasn’t gaining as much weight as it should have. When I went to my back up doctor for a scan before going to New York for my brother’s wedding he found that all the vital signs were okay but he also noted that the baby appeared small and should be monitored again when I got back from New York and after the holidays. When his office re-opened after the holidays I went for another check up. Again baby seemed fine but still wasn’t showing signs of significant growth. Because of the possible risks the doctor encouraged getting the baby out as soon as possible. Thankfully my doctor isn’t Caesar happy (one of the reasons why I chose him – South Africa has the second highest Caesar rate in the world!) but wanted me to be induced. I was obviously very disappointed because I really wanted a home birth but I wanted a healthy baby too and I knew I had to get the baby out to make sure everything was ok. I asked him for a day for me to get my head around it and I also needed to organize my mom to come from Johannesburg to help with the kids (she is an absolute life saver!), get everything organized and besides, my husband was officiating at a wedding that night.

The next day (Tuesday) I checked into the hospital. We started the induction process but by Wednesday morning I needed some additional oxytocin as the contractions had not yet started. It did the trick and the contractions started coming on strongly every five minutes.

After 9 hours of strong contractions and (with much disappointment) little progress I needed to have my waters broken to get things going. Five hours of strong contractions later I had still not dilated any further so the next step was a stronger dose of oxytocin via a drip. By that stage I was completely exhausted and with the intense contractions that come with induced labor and the fact that it wasn’t natural anyway, I decided not to be a martyr and to have an epidural. The anesthetist was called to give me the epidural but as luck would have it, the epidural didn’t take on my right side! So along with all the negative side effects of the epidural and the heavy contractions brought on by the induction that were just getting stronger and stronger, I wasn't even able to be on my feet and move around because the epidural had numbed my left side! At that point, to put it mildly, I was just begging Hashem to please hurry up the process! Thank G-D my prayers were answered and at a minute after 1am , the tiniest little girl was born! Perfect, healthy, with eyes wide open and ready to feed after only ten minutes. I can't describe the huge relief that was felt at that moment along with immense gratitude and awe at the little miracle that was lying on my chest and taking her first few breaths of life weighing 2.050 kg!!!! I couldn't have done it without my husband, mom , midwifery team of  Ciska (by my side from 7am till 3am the next day!) Juliet,Glynnis and Susan of www.birthoptions.co.za and doula Gayle Friedman (also at my side giving love and support for the entire duration of labor) of www.wombs.org.za. I had the most amazing team and am so appreciative to each and every one of them! So to sum up, the important lesson I learned was that instead of a Birth Plan we should prepare a Birth Wish. Ultimately Hashem is in charge and while we can wish for things a certain way G-d may just have other plans.  

I also think that women who want a natural birth should be careful to make informed decisions before being whisked off to surgery. If I hadn’t known better and I had a doctor who wasn’t so open minded I could have very easily ended up with an unnecessary Caesar. Doctors and medical technology are big blessings but different doctors have different approaches and it is important, if you want a natural birth, to choose a doctor that is on the same page as you. If the baby is not in distress and there is no compelling reason to do it one should be careful of being pressured into surgery unnecessarily. I would have been so upset and disappointed afterwards had that happened to me. Indeed I could imagine there is truth to the suggestion that the feeling of not being in control of what is happening during child birth or feeling like you are not being heard could be a contributing factor to post natal depression.

So there you have it! My birth/learning experience. Hopefully for my next baby- ( no I'm not really thinking right now about the next one :) ) I'll be able to have my birth wish of a home birth without any complications!

Please feel free to share your story.

[placentamom]

Another clients opting to donate. #cordblood #cordbloodbanking #umbilicalcord #donor #kaiserpermanente #roseville #birthoptions #california #placentamom #sacramento #placentaencapsulation (at Roseville, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHmOkvNJDSm/?igshid=15znaziv0am2o

[eastbaydoula]

Thoughts on the MANA Home Birth study, the OBGYN study and rebuttal, and the surrounding conversations

The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) recently released a study that shows the positive outcomes of home-births for low-risk mothers who plan to deliver at home with a skilled birth attendant. Shortly after,  a study by researchers at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center reported an increase in "relative risk" of neonatal mortality in home births was released. The media backlash that ensued has been typical of previous findings regarding midwives and home births.

Okay so, who's telling the truth here? Is home birth safe or not?

Well, both studies are right and wrong in some regards. Let's brake down a bit about how medical studies go and then get on the point about home birth studies in particular.

Both the MANA study and the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center's studies were meta-studies. That means that the data is pulled from information gained from records and the results of previous studies and statistics, not through means created specifically for the study in the way you would think of a classically designed psychological study with "blind" and "double blind" testing. This sort of study design is almost necessary to consider any aspect of birth risk as anything else comes with sticky ethical issues, but it lends itself to a variety of criticisms.

For one, these sorts of studies can come with a tremendous amount of selection bias. In the case of the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center study and the notorious Wax study on home birth, the choice to include unplanned and unattended home births has been lambasted for seeming to be intentional to produce negative results. In the case of unplanned and unattended home births, the rate of infant mortality is not surprisingly higher as it can be due to a complication in the first place and the families are unprepared on how to handle a surprise home birth. The Wax study was so widely criticized (mostly by international journal review) because it not only included these numbers, but was quite misleading about the facts and study selection process in the abstract. Regardless, the Wax study's findings are quoted in debates on home birth safety as high up as Congress.

Home birth studies lead by midwives are not immune from selection bias and there have been legitimate claims to such from critics in the past. Where the conversation gets frustratingly murky for skilled home birth attendants, however, is on the topic of "risking out" clients. So often when this is brought up in rebuttals to positive outcomes for home births, it is made as this crazy slander against the results. Yes, positive home birth outcomes come largely in part from rigorous prenatal screenings. Why, why, why is this talked about as some area of rarity and almost coincidence amongst medical retorts? This is something that should be praised. When a woman determines that she would like to have a home birth, it is a midwife's job to perform regular check ups with the pregnant woman to ensure a greater possibility of positive outcomes for both mama and baby. This is why prenatal visits with midwives are on average 30-45 minutes long versus the average 7-10 minutes with a doctor. Here, too, however, is where many home birth studies show fault by sometimes glossing over the rate and results of hospital transfer and thus transfer of care (since U.S. midwives are not granted co-management of labor in cases of transfer as most midwives in industrialized countries are afforded).

The definitions of risks and outcomes must also be acknowledged. It must be understood that the definition of "healthy" for mama and baby often differ between the medical community and midwives. A new mother can walk away from the hospital with an unnecessary morbidity (re: injury) such as fourth degree tearing, hemorrhage, or C-section and be considered "healthy" if she is alive and doesn't need re-hospitalization. Home birth studies often have different views of positive outcomes and can often include mother's state of mind before, during, and after delivery, something more medical studies often lack.

This is an important point when discussing the choice of care provider and location for delivery. When any study that shows that midwifery care is a safe (and sometimes safer) option for delivery comes out, there is a crazy amount of "mother shaming" that accompanies it. Mothers who choose home birth are often portrayed as selfish. Why are we still doing this? Why are women still lashing out at each other over choosing a home birth? Shouldn't each mother want to walk away from a birth feeling like her body is intact? Shouldn't she and her family feel like they had a positive and empowering experience no matter where and who with she delivers? Is a "healthy" baby all that matters when mom is infected, stitched up, sore, with an epidural headache or a 6 inch incision that is so painful she cannot lift her baby? This is not the case for every woman who delivers in a hospital, but the C-section rate is an alarming 1 in 3, far higher than any study shows returning a positive outcome weighing out the risks involved. Any woman choosing to deliver with a midwife or at home or without an epidural or with a planned C-section or with fentanyl injection does not in any way lessen the experiences of the women who chose something different. It's profoundly unproductive to be speaking amongst ourselves in this way. In fact, it's downright cruel. Women should not be shamed for having a home birth any more than they should be shamed for having a C-section, regardless of the outcomes. This negative speech is present on both sides with some radical birth workers claiming rampant misogyny and greed amongst OBs and the prevailing notion that midwives outside of the hospital are unskilled witches serving a selfish lefty minority. No one is serving the broader U.S. female population by spurring such negligent dialogue.

The media frenzy that accompanies these studies is somewhat infuriating. While the need for a nation-wide discussion on the care of pregnant women is absolute (we have the worst infant and maternal outcomes in the industrialized world and spend tens of thousands more on our maternal health care system than any other country), having it framed in the world of media soundbytes can be lethal to progress. This is and should be an open forum, but giving Amy Tuteur and the Skeptical OB blog, a purposely decisive forum with the sole purpose of lambasting midwives and those in their care, air time as well as turning to Riki Lake as an expert is misdirection.

So what should we be talking about? Well, The Daily Beast* had a nice article on where mother's must lie in the debate. How thoughtful to actually include them in the discussion! Barbara Katz Rothman** has a thoughtful article on Science and Sensibility's blog (the evidence-based wing of Lamaze International) on understanding the terminology of risk in studies on birth. This is an essential component to understanding what these studies are actually saying. Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to have brought on renewed discussions about the MOMS for the 21st Century Act (H.R.5807)***, a bill proposed by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D.-CA) or expanding midwifery and out of hospital birth coverage under the Health Care Act. The fact that ACOG (the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and the American Association of Pediatricians have both in the past year started to budge slightly on the issue of home birth (from "no no no way" to "well, it's not the best, but sure") hasn't been brought up much. And let's not forget (though the media seems to have not ever even bothered to pay attention to this point) that this is the same ACOG that released a study in it's own journal claiming that 2/3 of the standard practices in it's general guidelines have been shown to be not evidence based, but based more on opinion of doctors****. Why is that not being brought up in the discussion of this most recent study? Importantly, the topic on poor reporting of infant and maternal deaths and hoping to reach some level of standardization in these reportings is fundamental to this debate. How can families really decide for themselves if the data can't be read clearly across the board? How can they make decisions for themselves and how can policy makers best serve them if certain data is selectively reported or left out? The immoral Ina May addresses this clearly in her book, Why Birth Matters*****, which can serve as a helpful guideline in interpreting this confusing data.

The truth of the matter is, we have a culture in the U.S. where the body politik politicizes the body through the bodies of policy. Bodily autonomy is a heated debate, nowhere more so than in women's reproductive policy. However, to fully engage in the debate over expanding birth options to reflect the better outcomes of peer nations, it is crucial to remove this out of the realm of a solely feminist issue. The U.S. as a nation is paying ridiculous amounts of money to keep itself gridlocked in an unsafe maternity care system where mothers, babies (both male and female), and their families (men and women alike) are suffering. Their suffering physically from unnecessary procedures, financially from things like poor infant outcomes from early inductions and re-hospitalization from drug resistant infections, and emotionally from judgmental backlash and feelings of inadequacy. This is not the path to creating a robust society with a healthy population (See Michel Odent's Primal Health Studies). It is not the path to reducing our nation's bloated health care system (See Eugene DeClerq's Birth by the Numbers). It is not the path to empowering families to make their own decisions about the health of their children, something that will carry on with them for a lifetime. If having healthy women actively choose to deliver at home under the care of a skilled midwife can make some dent in this situation, why is it so hard to support it? Wouldn't this help put midwives in charge of healthy, normal births at a much lower cost and leave more room for OBGYNs to practice their professional expertise (that is, reproductive pathology and surgery) to the cost and health benefits of everyone? Midwives recognize that they need doctors for the 2-3% of women who develop complications. They recognize that the women who are risked out of the option of home delivery (this is a smaller number than you might think since many complications in birth still do not require hospital treatment or operative delivery) need hospitals and doctors for proper care. Having more women safely deliver at home will not shut the doors of hospital birth centers by any means. Keeping this debate in the realm of heuristic fringe or doctor bashing will not help to improve outcomes for mothers, babies, or their families. There needs to be a moment's pause to step back and reframe the debate entirely so that the U.S. can move forward.

And in the end, the desire for women to make an informed decision for themselves about their health and the health of their growing families needs to be put above any public health debate.

*http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/07/the-home-birth-rebellion.html

**http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?tag=risk

***http://www.opencongress.org/bill/hr5807-111/show

****http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/16/us-ob-gyn-guidelines-idUSTRE78F68920110916

*****http://inamay.com/books/

[placentamom]

This Kaiser Roseville client opted to be a public cord blood donor. #cordblood #cordbloodbanking #umbilicalcord #donor #kaiserpermanente #roseville #birthoptions #california #placentamom #sacramento #placentaencapsulation (at Kaiser Roseville Women And Children's) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEe4H_-J6hZ/?igshid=10jmf6k1nwk6q

[placentamom]

PL =placenta ❤️👍👍👍 #takingithome #dontwasteitencapsulateit #placentalove #ucdavis #birthoptions #pregnancy #postpartum #placentamom #sacramento #placentaencapsulation (at Uc Davis Medical Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3c5IxTpAdv/?igshid=uqz2r2oj8t5g

[placentamom]

This UC Davis client opted to be a public cord blood donor. #cordblood #cordbloodbanking #umbilicalcord #donor #ucdavis #birthoptions #california #placentamom #sacramento #placentaencapsulation (at Uc Davis Medical Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TkrAtpeTe/?igshid=1nx9w1hkobdb6