I watched part of the documentary The Business of Being Born last night. And even though I'm not expecting a child anytime soon, it really got me thinking about the birthing system in the US and how "off" it seems.
Personally, I am not sure I would feel comfortable giving birth in my home, just in case problems arose. But now I think it would be nice to have both a midwife and a doctor. Like if the midwife could help me through most of the labor but the doctor step in for the delivery or something.
And I never knew Pitossin (sp?) was so freaking scary!
2 comments:
Angie had petosin with Gavin and i think it causes problems. the labor is too fast for the body to catch up. don't go there!
anony mom
mother of 3 using "natural childbirth"
Usually midwives who do home births weed out any high risk cases, to minimize the chance of things going awry. They also, in normal births, know what they are looking for that could be a potential problem and will recommend heading to the hospital sooner rather than waiting to see if it indeed becomes an issue. They also usually work with a back-up doctor, in case of transportation to a hospital. They cover their bases, so a home birth isn't that scary or dangerous, generally speaking. I think it's more work in prepping for the birth event, but there's a whole lot to be said for laboring and birthing in a place that is familiar, comfortable, where you body feels safe. Mammals deliver when/where they feel safe.
I think more what you want is a doula (labor assistant) and a doctor. The doula is there to support you and your partner all through the labor, but doesn't actually involve themselves with any of the medical proceedings. They can help you speak up for what you need/want in the process, but they are actually more there to help you manage your labor and do so well and in a way that suits you (whatever that involves).
Pitocin is not good - it moves things along quickly and painfully, which usually necessitates other interventions (epidurals, episiotomies, etc) and the more interventions needed the more likely you are headed for a c-section. There probably are situations where pitocin is necessary for the labor, but I think in the states it is used more often than necessary.
Sorry - this is all the stuff I've been thinking about and processing and reading about for the last few months. Oodles and oodles of information about pregnancy, labor and childbirth. It's a lot of stuff to sort through - and there are pretty strong opinions on all sides of the issues. I think I'm striving to find what is best for me - and so far, I feel good about the doctor I found (finally), delivering in a hospital, and using a doula to support Aaron and I in the labor and birth. :)
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