I am about 27 weeks pregnant with my fifth baby (who momentarily has the hiccups!) and my husband and I are going to attend a 5 week Hypnobirthing series. I thought I would blog about it in advance, because as a midwife, I’m not really sure what I think about the whole thing. However, I am willing to explore it and learn as much as I can; and as a mama, I’d love another “tool” for birthing!

First of all, we are taking the class taught by some friends and former clients of mine in Sedona. (Check out their website; Hypnobirthing Sedona). They are wonderful people, and I refer a lot of clients and new mamas to them, not just for Hypnobirthing really, but because they are wonderful walking specimens of perfect homebirthers! They are smart and educated, but totally trusting in the natural process- to a degree that I think a lot of natural birthers attain to but never meet because fear usually gets in the way. Zoe has had 2 beautiful homebirths, and her second birth was one of the most perfect, unhindered, amazing births that I have ever seen, and one that I am sure would make the Hypnobirthing people pleased that she is an instructor. Anyway, all this to say that I trust the “source” and I am excited to see them present classes I know they are very passionate about.

So, I am truly going in with an open mind. But I have several questions or theories that I think portray Hypnobirthing and I am honestly wanting to see how I feel about all this at the end of the series. For the record, I have seen several Hypnobirths at home. Different techniques work for different women, and hypnosis during birth is just one technique. So, I wouldn’t expect it to suit everyone. But, the births I have been present at where it “worked” are pretty relaxed. The women do, for the most part, make it look easy. The active labor part, that is. What I have noticed is that many (not all) of the women, even the experienced birthers, seem to struggle a bit with the transition to second stage, or pushing. They are so enveloped, perhaps not a bad thing, in the hypnotic relaxed state, that they can’t seem to comprehend that their body has shifted and that now it is time to actively participate in pushing the baby down and out. Again, this is not everyone; many are able to “breathe the baby out”, as taught in the class. But I have always kind of struggled myself with watching the mamas that struggle with this part because they are still trying to stay out of the way of their bodies. This is one area I am curious to learn more about, and maybe even try out in my own birth. I have always enjoyed the pushing and have had births where I needed to really work at it to bring that baby down and out. I am wondering if the technique will “work” for me and if I have the kind of body that can “breathe” a baby out. Just one of the major question areas I would like to focus on as I attend this class.

The other major area is in seeing if I am going to get as annoyed by the Hypnobirthing terminology as I think I might! I get the whole hippie thing of calling contractions “rushes”; in fact, there really is a difference between the two words in terms of how your body is adapting to the sensation. Yes, “sensation” is another one that I hear from the Hypnobirthing mamas! I must admit, that one bothers me. I mean, call it what you will. I don’t mind calling it “pain”. I don’t say that with a negative connotation, but nor do I avoid the subject of “pain” when helping a first time mama prepare for birth. But this is the basis of the whole Hypnobirthing thing, and I wonder if I will come around to either agree or change my own perception. I understand that the basis of many birthing techniques is that pain is really optional. And I agree; what we call “pain” is our perception, our history, affected by our surroundings, fears, etc. But I guess I still am OK with calling it “pain”. Anyway, this all food for thought and I am neither here nor there with it. Just getting my brain ready to perhaps change the way I think about things or the way I present them to mamas. I am always looking for more to learn, more to experience, and I am certainly not above hoping I come out ahead after taking some Hypnobirthing. With an open mind, I will learn something to assist my clients in birth; and who knows–maybe I will get to experience a “Hypnobirth” this time around.

Related Articles:

1. Be Your OWN Midwife
2. Birthing Requires Attitude
3. Natural Birth, Stereotypes and the “Hippie” Midwife

In the last few weeks, I have fielded quite a few questions from a specific “type” of mama–one that has had at least one previous hospital birth and is now starting to investigate homebirth. Within this breed of mama, there are still some differences. I’d say that some are sold on homebirth because of their hospital experiences, and some are not sold (yet?) but merely curious. There was something, something about the hospital experience that left them questioning, or yearning, or who knows what…but it is usually something that brings a woman with a previous hospital birth to start seeing what homebirth is all about.

So, I thought I would do a little question-and-answer for all of you other mamas out there who wonder what some of the differences are. I thank the women I have run into in the last few weeks for bringing these specific questions to my attention. To me, the differences are so numerous that it gets overwhelming and it is nice to have a focus. The women I meet that do question their experience, whether or not they actually leave the hospital scene for home, are the smartest kind, in my estimation. It takes a lot of guts to ask questions and maybe hear that what you were told wasn’t quite the truth, or to come to terms that you (we, really!) have fears that may be keeping you from the natural birth at home that you desire.

My water broke last time before labor started. So, my doctor needed to induce me. What do we do if my water breaks again this time and I am not in labor? What will you do?

I can’t orchestrate your birth experience for you…so it could happen again where your water breaks either prematurely or before you notice contractions. I’d say that the prevention happens months before that, though. Membranes rupturing (the technical term) before labor doesn’t happen very often–and it happens even less in nourished, well-fed women. For a woman with a history of this, we would focus intently on nutrition in the prenatal period as well as be diligent in ruling out any kind of infection which could have contributed to the early water’s breaking last time. There is so much we can do preventively to arrive at labor and birth, full-term, with a healthy mama and baby. But, if this did happen again and you were full-term, we would monitor you for infection and simply wait for labor to start. Besides that, I always encourage women with past birth experiences to work on releasing them (the negative, disturbing or not ideal experiences) before embarking on the next labor and birth. I can assist you in visualizing and preparing yourself for a different experience. Each baby, each labor and birth is unique and there is comfort in that.

My doctor always induces me early because he says my baby will be too big. I’m afraid of not being induced and having a baby I can’t birth!

Wow, induction again. First of all, induction as a matter of course is pretty disturbing to me. I’ve been induced myself (first birth), and I have been present at hospital births. And I can assure you that no birth I have ever been at where Pitocin (the induction drug) has been used has the mom been informed as to the risks. The “benefits”, yes. But I have never heard it mentioned that when the uterus is forced to contract, the baby is at risk for fetal distress and the mom is at risk for uterine rupture–EVEN if she has never had a cesarean. OK, I digress……
I believe that babies fit through the body of a mama that made her, or him. I just do. For women that have always been induced with what turned out to be a 6 pound baby, the thought of having an 8 lb baby is rather scary. But, you will make a baby you can get out! And a full-term, full birth weight baby navigates the birth canal easier and is probably better suited to labor itself, as well as nursing afterwords. This is a hard one, because I feel like there is nothing I can really say except there needs to be some trust. You have to believe that your baby will come when it is ready, and when it is ready, the baby will have the easiest time being born. Imagine getting kicked out of the womb, literally, before you were ready! I really urge women like this to be patient and kind with their bodies. It has to start with the message, “I trust you. I know you can do this, because you conceived and grew this baby perfectly. I won’t rush you or doubt you. I trust you, too, baby. That you are conscious and able to be born when it is time”.

I was induced at the hospital and it was really scary because I hemorrhaged afterwards. My husband is really scared to have a homebirth now and I don’t know what to tell him.”

Again, I cannot orchestrate a birth or be sure that we will not encounter an issue that needs to be solved. I do not pretend that birth at home is perfect, only that with preventative care, healthy moms, and good care during labor and birth, we do set ourselves up for better outcomes than when there is a lot of intervention. Anyway, I digress again!
Hemorrhage (bleeding excessively) after birth is scary. Especially for a husband watching! Like the first question, I would focus on great prenatal nutrition and this can be a great preventative. If we build up your blood volume enough, you will have more blood to spare than a woman who has not had good nutrition. Secondly, this may seem very skeptical, but this actually goes for any woman that has had a previous birth–home or hospital. Request your records. Sometimes our memory in birth is shabby, and sometimes we do not even know why certain procedures, etc. are done to us. In other words, I would want to see the notes and read what happened. Was their a placental issue? How much blood was lost? Was their a tear? There is always more info to be gleaned when we start to take responsibility for our own healthcare.
Last but not least, midwives are prepared to handle some bleeding at home. If that does not work, there is always the possibility of transport. You also will not be left after birth until you and baby are 100% stable.

I could probably go on for a while, but those have been the most recent homebirth questions I have fielded. No one has all the answers, but I am confident that most midwives can walk with women on what will likely be an amazing and empowering experience for them—one that the hospital rarely provides.

Related Articles:

1. What’s Really Keeping You From a Homebirth?
2. 10 Homebirth Facts No One’s Telling You
3. Who Gives a Crap About Dr. Phil and His Homebirth Show?

In the last week, I have had the honor of attending two labor and births; both for mamas having their 4th baby.

It made me very aware of a belief I have, and which these women both exhibited so beautifully. That belief is that pregnancy, labor, birth and motherhood require ATTITUDE.

That attitude is one of positivity and strength. The attitude is one that whatever comes ones way, one can adapt and will make the best of it. A positive attitude in facing labor and birth is not making some quick assumption on blind faith that everything will work out just the way you pictured it. It’s believing in your body and your baby and the process. That whatever happens is how it is meant to be, and honestly trusting in that. It is taking an obstacle, such as a bout of not-quite-it-yet labor (yes, even 4th time moms can experience that!) and being OK with the frustration and upsetting kind of fear that can provoke. Really, truly being in touch enough with what’s going on to have the attitude of pure acceptance.

I’m not a hippie midwife in Sedona for nothing–how great that I get to learn and love from these clients of mine that not only have a great attitude about birth, but know how to heal themselves. The fact that we can share that concept as a mode of living is a great blessing. To us both, I think. Again, healing yourself and realizing that we all have the capability does not mean we are living in some fantasyland about our health in the first place. Many of these women have legitimate things to “worry” about, at various points, just like we all do. But especially with these mamas–their ability to take various scenarios in their prenatal care or birth or even postpartum and meet them with such a positive attitude–they are the picture of responsible health care. You learn, you research, you read, you discuss–and you make your own informed choices about the decisions you are faced with. Whether that is being GBS positive, or Rh negative–it is all about the attitude that we face these obstacles with.

I am so grateful, to these women in particular, for teaching me so much in the last 9 months. I will miss seeing them weekly, as I would so look forward to our exchange of information and opinions. I will miss eagerly looking forward to the way their attitudes embraced every decision and situation they met. As birthing women, we should all take a look at the way we see things. Not what we are faced with or what our choices are, but how we deal with things; from the inside. To my two mamas, and the ones to-be; inspire the world with your empowered-ness and your attitude. The world needs more women like you!

Related Articles:

1. Making An Informed Choice: GBS in Pregnancy
2. The Truth About Birth in the U.S.
3. Be Your OWN Midwife

“Opponents” (as if this is a battle) of homebirth almost always quote statistics (in the favor of their argument, of course) to question the safety of homebirth.

I am by no means a statistician, but I don’t think one has to be to realize that there is statistical evidence out there to support just about every angle of every debate.

Plus, if I let statistics run my life, I probably wouldn’t bother setting foot outside my home… not to mention actually getting into a car.

People can get hurt doing such risky things.

There are studies that shine a positive light on homebirth. And there are studies that shine a negative light on it as well.

You can argue about those 24/7 (some people try)…

But just how helpful is arguing about “statistics stew” if you really are interested in making the right decision for you?

Frankly, it leaves me hungry for some meat…

Take my decision not to vaccinate my children.

I came to that conclusion the same way I came to my decision that homebirth is the right choice for me.

I did a ton of research. I read a lot of “studies.” And I went round and round in circles… through the maze of completely conflicting information.

Every “study” trying to ram its own (human skewed) conclusions into my head.

In the end, I didn’t make those decisions with my head alone, I made those decisions with my gut.

And I own those decisions. They are mine. What is created because of them is the responsibility I’ve accepted for being a free thinking woman.

Although my important decisions may be informed by “evidence” fed into my brain, they can’t be made solely with that part of my body.

And so it is with birth…

Birth is too big to confine it simply to your mind. And it’s far too important.

That’s why I feel like “opponents” (why does anyone care so much about the way I choose to birth my child anyway) of homebirth who focus primarily on an endless stream of studies and statistics really are focusing on 1% of the real issue.

The real issue has more to do with the idea that many of us were not raised to claim our own power, to accept responsibility for our choices and to think for ourselves.

Instead, we were raised to listen to others, to accept authority, to be fearful of that which we do not know or understand, and to seek out the advice and counsel of “professionals” with alphabet soup letters after their names.

(I’ll very soon have some of that alphabet soup after my name. But I’ll never expect that the professional license that supports those letters should provide an excuse for those under my care to stop thinking for themselves. That, in my book, is truly unsafe.)

Spouting statistics about homebirth and expecting to persuade anyone of anything about homebirth is a bit ridiculous. Because it’s pretty much ignoring the only thing that matters:

The pregnant mother and the decision she makes for how to bring her child into the world.

I am not prepared (or interested) to dispute studies for the rest of my life. I could… but it would be an extreme waste of time when I can actually help women instead of scare them.

Plus, I think most of these studies have little to no relevance in really helping a woman decide whether or not a homebirth is the right choice for them.

We talk of not wanting to “medicalize” birth, but by paying attention to anything but our intuition, our bodies, our wisdom and knowledge of the process, we are (in a sense) subscribing to how the medical world makes decisions.

The miracle of birth is a whole lot bigger than how science chooses to measure and quantify it.

Birth is a natural life event, and as a healthy woman I know there is no unusual risk to me.

Nothing I can read, unfortunately, can predict my future, my baby’s future or the outcome of my labor and birth. I know, instinctively and intuitively that I am made to birth, but also that birth is not perfect and that I can ultimately accept and handle whatever the outcome is.

There isn’t a study in the world, positive or negative towards homebirth, that would make me feel any other way.

I trust, I believe, I respect birth and I am holding myself responsible for the choices I make and will accept the way the universe flows. I feel like women looking for studies to support their choice, whatever that is, are totally missing the mark.

Let the studies provoke your thinking. Then let yourself live in that moment where you ARE the statistic. Go to that place that can be scary and deal with what it is that you are really scared of.

Let the information you get propel you into a self-reflection, a self-investigation. Sift through what your real feelings are, separate them from what you have been told or what baggage you have held onto, regarding safety, and life and death.

Realize, truly realize, how much control ANY of us have over a normal life process.

I am not suggesting that studies and research should be disregarded. As a midwife, they all play an important part in understanding and communicating the risks that we do, as pregnant women, take on.

But whether we ultimately accept these risks should be a function of our hearts and souls, not our brains.

Related Articles:

1. 10 Homebirth Facts No One’s Telling You
2. What’s Really Keeping You From a Homebirth?
3. Who Gives a Crap About Dr. Phil and His Homebirth Show?

Just in case you haven’t heard, the word on the street in homebirthland is this: The (in)famous Dr. Phil is supposedly having a show that explores homebirth, and is asking for experienced women to write in and possibly appear on the show. But here’s the clincher: he and his “medical staff” supposedly plan to crucify the entire idea of homebirth, focusing only on the women that have had “homebirths go wrong.”

(Would you expect anything else?)

Of course, these stories may or may not have anything to actually do with real homebirth, but they will contribute to furthering the idea that homebirth is weird and dangerous.

Let’s face it, stories of the weird and dangerous sell.

But, I venture to ask, who cares about Dr. Phil?

Why waste any time and energy on Dr. Phil of all people and things?

He’s selling the sensational to America…

I’m not selling anything.

I’m talking to women who are ready to claim the power they already know (at some level) that they have.

So don’t we have real work to do for this cause? Don’t we have real stories to tell and thousands of people that may actually want to hear what we are saying?

I know we do.

We are not going to change the face of homebirth, or validly educate women about their birth options, with either a positive (or negative) spin of homebirth on the Dr. Phil show.

Perhaps if all us proud homebirthing mamas, midwives and birth activists had absolutely NO other way or venue to communicate our message and nothing else to do with our time, then maybe we should be lobbying to get a spot next to Dr. Phil.

But we do have other ways to communicate. More effective ways of reaching women to educate them about homebirth.

We simply need to use them.

I’d say right now, one of the lowest priorities on my list is to reach mainstream America spouting the virtues of homebirth.

Why speak to someone who probably isn’t ready to listen? Especially when so many other women are ready to listen?

Ricki Lake may be able to do it, and I thank her for it. But I’m not trying to convince anyone to have a homebirth. For me, the effort worth expending is on those mamas that already think, that want better for themselves and their bodies and their babies. And I’d say that unfortunately, that is not mainstream America. Not now. Not yet.

So let’s leave the homebirth carnival/circus to Dr. Phil. My hunch is that he might not be concerned with homebirth anyway. Perhaps he’s more concerned with ratings and advertising dollars?

So he’ll do what he will, “they” will all do what they will. Instead of fighting every last little battle, let’s focus on the big picture and what we can do to truly make a difference.

Homebirth doesn’t require a debate. And I’m not really interested in talking to someone who’s interested in a debate.

There’s simply too much real work to do. Too many women to reach that are ready for this message. Women that know what they’re doing and are searching for some information and support to be confident in their decisions.

Talking to those women will make long-term difference that will matter to women and babies long after we are all gone.

I dare say that Dr. Phil won’t have quite the same lasting effect.

Related Articles:

1. What’s Really Keeping You From a Homebirth?
2. The Homebirth Debate: I Ate Statistics Stew and I’m Still Hungry

(Note to Free Thinkers: Please don’t make your birth decisions based on statistics alone. Numbers, statistics and studies can be skewed to support either side of most arguments. That’s why you’ll find tons of folks bantering back and forth… quoting study after study after study. Your birth choices are not about “studies.” They are about you. About your life, your baby and your choice. Studies support your choice. They don’t have the power to make your choice.)

If you’re newly pregnant, chances are you have never heard the truth about why homebirth is a safer choice for low-risk pregnancies. And if you’re not newly pregnant, it is never to late to consider your options and give birth to your baby at home.

“The first intervention in natural childbirth is the one that a healthy woman does herself when she walks out the front door of her own home in labour.”

— Michael Rosenthal, OB/GYN (from Midwifery Today E-news 7:24)

1. In studies comparing home vs. hospital births, homebirths supervised by a “trained attendant” indicate fewer deaths, injuries and infections. Respiratory distress in newborns was 17 times higher in the hospital than at home. (1)

2. The US has the highest obstetrical intervention rates of any country. (1) The US is currently ranked 28th for infant mortality (that means 27 other countries have a better rate of infant survival than we do). (5, 33)

3. The superior outcomes seen in homebirths are not because the women are at lower risk or in any way special or different from women planning hospital births. (2)

4. You are very likely to have a c-section if you chose a hospital birth. The WHO concluded that there is no reason for any region of the world to have a cesarean rate of more than 10-15%. As of 2004, the US has a 29.1% c-section rate. This rate is up from 27.6% in 2003. (2, 20) (3) C-section infants also are four times more likely to die than those born vaginally. (5, 31)

5. The newest study, done in 2005 and published in the British Medical Journal showed homebirth with a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) to be as safe as hospital birth. The rates of medical intervention at home were lower, and the study showed a high satisfaction rate for mothers. (4)

6. The vast majority of woman are 2 to 6 more times likely to die if their babies are delivered in the hospital. (5, 25)

7. If your baby is born at home with a midwife, instead of in a hospital with an OB, he is six times more likely to survive his first year. (5, 29)

8. The longer your second stage of labor, the more likely you are in to receive a c-section when at the hospital. At home, there will likely be no time limit on your pushing stage unless there is a real problem. (5, 46)

9. When your birth is attended by a midwife, your chances of hemorrhaging and/or continuing to hemorrhage are significantly reduced. (5, 58)

10. A study published in the November 2003 of The Lancet found that c-sections double the rate of stillbirth before labor begins, in women who have had a previous c-section (and most likely a hospital birth). (5, 105)

Sources:

1. From Is Homebirth for you? 6 Myths about Childbirth Exposed
http://www.gentlebirth.org/format/myths.html

2. Goer, Henci. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth.

3. ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network)
http://www.ican-online.org/

4. http://www.mana.org/CPM2000.html

5. Doubleday, Jock. Spontaneous Creation: 101 Reasons Not to Have Your Baby In the Hospital (e-book available at http://spontaneouscreation.org)

Related Articles:

1. The Homebirth Debate: I Ate Statistics Stew and I’m Still Hungry
2. C-Section = 3 Times the Risk of Death
3. What’s Really Keeping You From a Homebirth?

jude’s birth
You can also read jude’s birth story.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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1. Homebirth Video: Talula Skye

On Sunday November 4 2007, I hosted a public screening of Ricki Lake’s homebirth movie, The Business of Being Born.

We had a great turn out and some great discussion about the issues that this movie brings into the spotlight.

Thank you, Ricki and friends for this foray into the “subculture” of homebirth. That’s probably the most promising idea of this movie- a somewhat mainstream take on a very fringe topic.

The idea of having a baby at home is not only foreign to most Americans, but absolutely unthought of. It is not uncommon for people to not realize, not even imagine that a baby could be born at home. So, to that end, this movie is a huge success.

Ricki makes it clear, by adding her personal experience as well, that giving birth without drugs at home is not an experience reserved for hippies living in a commune. It is a viable option that average American women are learning about every day.

And to the dismay of the AMA, the facts about hospital birth are becoming more and more unappealing and disturbing-another highlight of this movie.

Every person in America that is unfamiliar with the idea of homebirth needs to see this film. Not just women, but their partners, their families, and most of all their children. If we can’t save the present generation, we need to work on the future ones. Just having an image to counter the typical “Baby Story” that is on TV several times a day makes this movie worth it as well. If nothing else, it makes one think just a little bit about the status quo for birth in this country. Is hospital birth as safe as we think it is?

As a “professional” in this birth industry I only have one gripe with this movie. And it is not so much the movie but the current state of acceptance of homebirth in our present culture. It is as if Ricki realizes that baby steps need to be taken, and the mainstream can’t take in too much information past the introduction of homebirth into their minds.

But I think the movie would be more convincing (especially to those desiring more information about the experience of homebirth) to include a complete and realistic view/experience of midwifery care.

The movie touches on it–the star midwife makes house calls and the relationship between she and her clients makes going to an OB seem like going to to an alien planet for pregnancy care. But they could have gone further, because homebirth is not JUST birth but midwifery care.

There needs to be more explanation, more detail, more care in representing what midwives offer to pregnant women. It IS house calls, and one-on-one care… but it is often so much more than that. It is 10 months of detailed clinical care, where most midwives can offer every option that any doctor can to their clients.

The difference is that the midwife will likely offer informed consent, which is huge. Every decision is presented as a choice. There is no “routine” anything for many midwives. The care for each woman is completely individualized.

A midwife is a woman’s advocate-she is her friend and counselor, her advisor as well as her “health care provider”.

And birth is not just birth–it is the experience that the pregnant woman has to grow, emotionally, spiritually and of course physically in the months preceeding.

The end result is SO directly tied to what comes before–there are much fewer surprises than the medical world, and even this movie would have you believe.

If you haven’t seen the movie, take a moment to watch the trailer below:

Related Articles:

1. What’s Really Keeping You From a Homebirth?
2. Does the US Have a “Birth Model That Works”?
3. Who Gives a Crap About Dr. Phil and His Homebirth Show?

Talula Skye was born on October 29, 2006

Related Articles:

1. Homebirth Story: My Talula Skye
2. Homebirth Video: Jude’s Birth

How often do you stop and think that YOU are the one in control of your pregnancy?

Of course, “control” doesn’t mean that you decide your own destiny. Sometimes freaky, unexpected things happen in life and in death, and we, as humans don’t have ultimate control with any of that.
But freak situations aside, there is so much in your pregnancy that you have control over.

I work with pregnant women that are choosing non-interventive midwifery care and planning to birth their baby at home.

This albeit small group of women is a group of very empowered, intelligent women. I assume that those who chose me as their midwife have chosen me, at least partly, because of my philosophy. I believe that a pregnant woman is fully responsible and capable of making all the decisions in the care of herself and her baby.

I hope and expect that my clients will come to me for advice, guidance, suggestions- my passion is walking on this path with women, before, during and after birth. But unlike some other care providers, I don’t “prescribe”, or insist or force anything. I do not want to be the pregnant lady police. I really, really believe that women can make their own choices once they are given enough information, and they can also teach themselves and learn from the choices they have made.

Every woman needs to be her own midwife.

So, if your midwife routinely hands out pregnancy tea to her clients, ask or find out why that might be beneficial to you. If you don’t like what you learn, then don’t drink it. It is your body. If your doctor prescribes you iron pills, do your research, learn about alternative ways to boost your iron. And if you don’t like what you learn, don’t take the iron pills.

Despite what you may have been taught, these are all your choices to make. My advice is not to take what anyone says or tells you as the ultimate truth. Do your own research, and tune into your own body and mind- deep, deep down. The answers for so many questions is in there, and the more connected your body, mind and spirit are, the less likely you are to do what anyone tells you.

Coming from a state where the practice of midwifery was (and is) illegal, I feel like I began my midwifery training very much focused on the ability of women to take control of themselves, and for that I am grateful. There was no “state protocol”, no pre-determined list of things to do routinely at every birth.

Many of the women whose births I was privileged to attend were truly their own midwives, even without realizing it. They had gone through their pregnancies making conscious choices, and by birth were just so connected to what their bodies and their babies were doing.

It is empowerment for all women- To ask a laboring woman after a contraction ,”How is your baby doing? -and to have her response be more informative, more accurate, more true than anything I could “monitor” with my high-tech gadgets. It is well-known in this world that “mama’s intuition” is the best indicator of fetal well-being. This seems so incredible, so crazy these days- but intuition was ours before anything else came along.

The wisdom we have as women is incredible. If we honor it, if we TRULY believe that we know best for bodies and our babies-then we will never be surprised by what we find. Connected to our souls, especially during birth, allows us as much control (and trust!) as we will ever have over the process.

Related Articles:

1. Natural Birth, Stereotypes and the “Hippie” Midwife
2. Birthing Requires Attitude
3. Ricki Lake, AMA and the Business of Being Born