Some of these situations we cover are  not necessarily dangerous for the mom or baby, they just change the options that are given to the couple.  Being post-date or going past the due date is one of these.  Depending on your caregiver’s policy induction may highly encouraged anywhere from 39 weeks 6 days to 41 weeks 6 days.  That is a BIG difference.  And if both mom and baby are fine, then they have a lot of options including refusing an unnecessary induction at 40 weeks on the dot.

Another option-changer is breech position of the baby.  While there is a movement in Canada to encourage vaginal delivery of breech babies, the recommended route here in the US right now is surgical.  And since many OB’s do not have the proper training or experience with vaginal breech deliver, I am not comfortable advising moms to ask for vaginal breech delivery with inexperienced caregivers.  So, for parents who find out before the onset of labor, there are many things they can do to encourage the baby to turn: lots of positions for mom to try, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, etc can be effective at turning many babies.

So when preparing for these discussions tonight, I came across Dr. Onyeije’s presentation on avoiding a Cesarean.  It mirrors so many of the things I try to stress in class, the  most important being finding a caregiver who shares your perspective on birthing.

That one thing can pave the way to avoiding so many difficult situations for a pregnant couple.  If you are wanting a natural childbirth and go to a practice with a high rate of intervention, then you will probably be very discouraged.  If you want every bit of technology used on you and your baby from the first twinge and you are with a more laid back practice, you will be so frustrated when they send you home from the hospital when you are at 3cm and still in early labor. It makes SUCH a difference.  I they to encourage couples that statistically they will not be the exception.  Exceptions are out there, but you can’t expect to be the exception for the particular practice you are using.

So here it is: 

My faves: 

• The Nature of Natural Birth – I love this one because we get to see how beautiful and intimate birth can be.  This mother gets great support from her husband, midwife,  and doula.  No matter how many times I watch this one, I tear up.  If you want to be inspired, check this out.
• Prevent Cesarean Surgery -  This video is completely different than the first as it highlights a very different reality and aspect of our birth culture today – the Cesarean Epidemic.  You get to hear firsthand from mothers who have had cesareans and some of the unintended consequences they endured as a result of their surgery.  I love this video because it outlines steps families can take to prevent unnecessary Cesareans.
• Home Birth of Judah Darwin -  I have always loved this video.  I love this couple’s story.  I love how we get to see a woman working really hard in labor, yet she describes it in her subtitles as “intense and strong and amazing.”  She also gets amazing support from her midwife and doula and husband.  At one point we see her getting the double hip squeeze and later hear her getting coached to focus the intensity on moving the baby down.  Amazing support.  So many women’s birth are sabotaged for lack of excellent emotional support, so I love it when I see and hear stories of women being tuly supported throughout their births.  Women are increibly strong during birth, yet we are also incredibly vulnerable as well – making great support essential.
  

So I could write so much more about all of the great videos submitted in this contest,, but I’ll leave it to you to comment on your faves and why. . .

A study came out this week showing that home births with a midwife are “just as safe” as hospital births for low-risk, healthy women.  It is a great read and I would love to hear your comments on this article:  Home births ‘as safe as hospital’.

Now imagine if the media in the U.S. portrayed home birth (or childbirth in general!) in this light:

The above video is actually a Spanish commercial for mattresses.   I love how this birth is gentle, respectful, beautiful, and safe.

The text of the video:

Mom: “We spoke and we decided that the best option would be for our daughter to be born in our bed, in our home.”

Dad:  “It’s the place where our first son was born. repeating this in the same bed is important.”

Mom: “It’s a miracle, isn’t it? That there is one life inside another and you are going to help it be born. And being able to do this how you want, in the place that you want, in your home.”

Dad:  “You relate to the space in a much more intimate way.”

Midwife during the actual birth:  “Slowly, slowly.”

Mom: “There is a light, a smell, a heat in this space when a new life comes that is just so special.”

Text:  “Waira. Born March 21 . . . in a Flex bed. ”

Mattress company slogan:  “Your bed. The most important place in the world.”

If only birth could be portrayed in the media in such a beautiful way more often. . . sigh. . .