Early in the morning

I sat down at the computer this morning with the intention to write a blog about how my 2 year old managed to take out EVERY SINGLE straight pin from my pin cushion in a matter of 3 seconds, and then reminisce about how yesterday he escaped to the yard while I took a shower.

But, as I opened up my email, there was yet another comment sent to me from my now month old cesarean blog. It methodically went through my previous post, much like all of the others who did not agree with me, and pointed out where I went wrong in my statements. Some of her comments simply made me giggle, some made me frustrated because she too is mis-informed on some of the important issues *note I did not say wrong---just mis-informed. At best "under researched", and she is a Labor and Delivery nurse at a large local hospital. Primarily I was concerned with her comment that having a home birth is "playing with fire."

I have documented (and personal experience) evidence to the contrary. Never in a million years would I say home birth is right for everyone. Nor, have a I ever tried to push it on any one. All I have ever suggested is that before you make major medical decisions you do your own research. Use the power of this great country we live in to seek the best medical care for you and your family WHATEVER you decide that may be. Just don't assume that the Dr. is always right. "Mr. Smith, the best solution for your headaches is a frontal lobotomy," Are you gonna do it? Probably not with out at least asking some questions.

And for those of you who say that isn't the same, I disagree whole heartedly. If you choose to take a medical approach to childbirth, it is your right and obligation to ask all of the questions surrounding your medical decisions. I know I asked lots, even of people who I explicitly trusted to help me have all of my children at home. I did not just do whatever they said without at least asking a few more questions.

I also encourage those of you who think that I am doing something unsafe or backwoods to ask me some questions, or do your own research on the subject. I did not just have a baby in my bathroom with no one there to help (at least not on purpose!). I received skilled prenatal care, fantastic labor and delivery support, and more post pardum care then you would get in a hospital. My Dr's and midwives knew me on a personal level, were able to tailor all care directly to me and my wishes, were familiar with my body and my choices, and were able to spend all of their time focused on me and my current situation, not reviewing my previous history and worried about some mysterious imaginary growth they found on an ultrasound. They brought an arsenal of "just in case" equipment and were able to handle a variety of emergency situations in the event they occurred. And, I had the benefit of doing it in the comfort of my own home, not having to bundle up a 24 hour old baby and transport him home in the middle of February.

I was able to pick and choose which intervention I wanted. Vitamin K drops are just as effective as the shot, however require being given for several days following birth. In a hospital setting, mothers are not told that because they cannot be "trusted" to continue on with the care after they are discharged. However, my midwife who came each day for the week following the birth of my children was able to ensure I was still doing what I supposed to do.

I am started to ramble now, and that never helps my case, so I guess I am done here. If you want to know about my birth stories, or where I got my information, I am happy to oblige, just ask! And, before you go assuming that I am a bear-foot, skirt wearing hippy (hmmm?) that doesn't know what she is talking about, let me help you do a little research :)