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I have attended mostly hospital births (as a doula).  I have seen beautiful hospital births.  I have worked with wonderful nurses, OB's, and CNM's in many of the hospitals in the Portland Metro area.  A large number of my past clients have ended up having c-sections and unnecessary interventions.  A significant number of my clients have been induced for low-risk situations.  I have had clients who have sought a VBAC through hospitals with no success. 

If hospitals offered more opportunities for vaginal deliveries with breeches, twins, and VBACS, I bet more people would go there.  But the truth is the majority of hospital folk won't risk it due to liability. Health care shouldn't be fear based around liability.  This is where mamas are thinking about what's best for themselves and their babies.  Many interventions occur due to liability.  Example: every baby who is born at the hospital receives Erythromycin in their eyes, fairly quickly after the birth.  Erythromycin is used preventively to treat infection caused by Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.   

 I find it a rare that informed consent is fully given to my clients in hospital care. I think informed consent is one of the most important aspects of medical care in general.  People need unbiased facts on risks, benefits, and alternatives on any type of health care they seek.  They need to understand the information, do their own research, ask questions and take responsibility for their choices.          

I fully support families giving birth where ever they choose.  I appreciate that hospitals are there when needed.  I value their knowledge and expertise in complex situations.  I hope that CPM's, CNM's, and OB's together can find a way to support the well being of mamas and babies while also supporting a persons right to choose freely.  Unfortunate outcomes happen in birth where ever it occurs.  I'm proud to be serving women in out of hospital births and won't give up on educating and supporting people to take responsibility for their own health care choices.     

Apprentice Midwife

posted 2 years, 9 months ago
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