To share, with Jerry's permission. I have a page on the Birthrites' website titled Men's Experiences, and Jerry submitted his for inclusion. Note - Angelica's baby was 4.2kg - a chubby bubby! BB Jackie Mawson.
------ Forwarded Message From: jerry Whiting Subject: RE: Male's Perspective Needed on VBAC Hello Jackie You are asking for males to write a bit about "past caesarean birth experiences and impending VBAC/EBAC issues." I am a 58 year old male. In three marriages, I have fathered 10 children. My last son, was born by caesarean section to my second wife. He was our last child together, so there was never an issue about attempting a VBAC. So you may be wondering, what is my experience with VBAC? I am a Midwife. Of the 67 births that I have attended this year, 2 have been H-VBAC's. Both mom's came to me, with a different look in their eyes, a look of worry, uncertainly, and most important, a look of failure. The mom who most impressed me, was Angelica, a mom in her early 20's, with 2 little daughters, both born by caesarean section. When Angelica spoke about her previous caesareans, you could see the fear in her eyes. The fear was very apparent. When Angelica spoke about the possibility of a normal home birth, her face changed dramatically, she smiled, and the beauty of this change was very invigorating, and enlightening to me. When Angelica went into labor, I could see that there was still some self doubt in her eyes. As the intensity of her contractions grew, so did her self doubt. A neighbour, and I talked to Angelica, with a lot of encouraging words, and we got her through her self doubt, and soon, Angelica was holding her new born daughter, and her smile told us everything, she now had regained her confidence, in her ability to give birth normally. I would not trade those moments for anything. Jerry Whiting 26480 Peach St. Perris, California, 92570 USA ------------------------ * My initial request: Male's Perspective Needed on VBAC From: Jackie Mawson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Just a little request... If any of you wonderful people could help me I will be eternally grateful. I think I may have to ask my hubby, and some other 'males' to write a bit about past caesarean birth experiences and impending VBAC/EBAC issues. If you can coerce any male you know (yourself, if you're a guy?) into writing something about this, I would really appreciate, and honour, all efforts I receive. As a woman I find it really hard to understand the male perspective of birth, (I do try) especially in regard to VBAC and past birth experiences. What better way to understand our partners emotions surrounding these vital life experiences than through the words of men who have been 'there'. These stories would also be valuable to share with your partners, to let them know that they aren't alone in feeling as they do during this phase in their life (the time of growing a family and birthing their children). The men's stories will be included in the next issue of the Birthrites magazine, and they will also be incorporated into the Birthrites Website - as a separate page on caesarean/VBAC birth from a man's perspective. This whole idea is just so exciting. I can't wait to receive some stories!!! Please send them on. Birthing Beautifully, Jackie Mawson. ------ End of Forwarded Message Birthing Beautifully, Jackie Mawson. Convenor of Birthrites: Healing After Caesarean Inc. Visit our Website at: http://www.birthrites.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: 61 08 9418 8949 Please note I am not a Professional Healthcare Provider, and all opinions given in this email are not to be taken as medical, or legal, advice. Please seek such advice from the relevant professional service. Email me your postal details for a FREE copy of our quarterly magazine, if you live within Australia - Overseas postage costs are above budget, sorry! Too many Gods; so many creeds, Too many paths that wind and wind, When just the art of being kind Is all the sad world needs... ---------------------------------- -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
