The American Medical Association's American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have released a statement saying they will be developing legislation to essentially outlaw home birth.
What's funny, is that while the ACOG does not like home births one bit and considers them quite dangerous and selfish on the mother's part, across the pond, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (British version of ACOG) believes home births are great:
"The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists (RCOG) support home birth for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. There is no reason why home birth should not be offered to women at low risk of complications and it may confer considerable benefits for them and their families. There is ample evidence showing that labouring at home increases a woman’s likelihood of a birth that is both satisfying and safe, with implications for her health and that of her baby." (emphasis mine)
You can read the rest of the statement here.
******************
What's also interesting about all this is that the AMA mentions Ricki Lake, who made famous her home birth with her documentary The Business of Being Born. I saw the BoBB. It was actually at that showing that I got Bernice's name and number. I became convinced that I wanted to home birth after watching that movie.
And what's also interesting is that when I just re watched its trailer I realized that many of the emotions and thoughts I expected to have after birthing came from that movie and the things women said in it. Truly, I am at a point where I feel the same as those mothers in the BoBB, but it took me a good six weeks for all of them to come to fruition. So, while I'm sure Ricki would feel horrible if she knew, I think that the BoBB and the expectations that it gave me made my postpartum even worse. I'm not blaming the documentary, though. I'm sure the hormones and screaming baby played MUCH bigger roles. ;) And, what's more, I still encourage women and men, especially those who are expecting or will be soon to watch this movie.
3 comments:
Maybe the fact that we have a different sort of healthcare system then Britain plays a role. Our health care system seems to be all about the profit. Having babies in hospitals is big business. It is kinda sad:(
Though I didn't choose a home birth, I have considered it and think that women should have options. My total cost without insurance for my c-section was $27,000. It's big business. Sad. :(
I agree with Alicia, although I would never be comfortable having a home birth, my Mom had me at home after having my older brother and sister at a hospital and it made it so much more special. But every woman has a right to give birth wherever they want, be it at a hospital or at home, why do they feel the need to take that choice away?
Post a Comment