A Fire Has Been Lit

This blog has been started in response to the recent fear based "recommendations" and non-researched "opinions" of the AMA and ACOG. (Click on AMA or ACOG to read the actual statement put forth). They recently put together what seems like a last minute thought on women and where they should "be allowed" to birth. A student midwife friend of mine thought it was rather comical with the wording they used and how sloppily it was put together. It is rather ridiculous. At least that is what I thought until I recently realized there are already harmful repercussions.

A wonderful Doctor in my town is known for pushing the limit. Meaning he has not let insurance effect how he practices. Have you had 3 c-sections, or are having a footling breech, or twins? Well, no problem. He has previously shown his belief that in most cases with patience and skill these things can be worked out. Only when all other means have literally been exhausted will he talk c-section. He has also been a godsend for midwives and their clients in the area. He has backed up many of the local midwives.

Last night I was told the sad news that due to pressure from his partners and the latest statement of the ACOG on child birth, he will no longer back up our midwives! I was shocked and deeply regretful for him, our midwives and all the women that may need his assistance in the future. For those women who don't want to be treated like they are stupid, don't know how to birth, and just need surgery, now what? He will no longer be there because of hearsay that is not even backed up. I will get into this later, but research shows the opposite of what the ACOG is spewing out! As my doula friend said, "VBAC's are about to get harder in this area". As a successful VBAC mama myself, this hits me at the core of my spirit.

It's time to stand up, speak out and be heard. Are we going to wait until the AMA and ACOG strips away women's rights like in the early 1900's? When dads were pushed out of the scene because they surely are not important in their wives and children lives? When women were literally strapped down and drugged to delusion and hallucination? I certainly do not want to wait for them to put out slander (once again) against midwives and undo all the breaking down of the huge Berlin wall of fears around childbirth in our society. The wall that so many midwives, strong mamas and papas, and yes even some M.D.'s have worked so hard to tear down.

What can we do? I know that I can no longer stay silent. I am going to do my part by blogging about current research, interesting facts, and information about anything not mainstream! Chiropractic, birthing, VBAC's, vaccinations, nutrition, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing...whatever has me fired up!

It's time to get educated and make choices based off information, not fears and hearsay! I hope that I can help at least 1 mom and/or dad out there feel they have a choice by give them the tools they need to be armed with information to back up those choices. Then, they can be happy that they chose what was best for them and their child(ren)!

-J-