RE: [ozmidwifery] Reasons to avoid a "natural" birth

[Ken Ward]

It doesn't matter what you tell some women, they will insist on various interventions. They just don't seem to care that they may be putting themselves and their babies at risk. They are told of the risks of haemorrhage, infection, even death. They are warned that the baby may need assistance with breathing and why.  IOL's tend to be done for 'medical' reasons, and while I do not agree frequently with the reason, especially post-dates at 10 days, we do not do social inductions willy-nilly where I work.  Some women are just so afraid of labour, and all the counselling in the world is not going to help.  The physie plays a great role in labour, and if the woman is scared stiff and fighting it one can end up with FTP, maternal distress and then an emergency C/S. Yes quite a few OBs and midwives give a slanted view.  My main complaint is that the pain relief is so good following the C/S that the women are usually up and about with-in 24hrs. In all my years as a midwife I have few women who have wanted to fully experience a labour.--                                        Maureen. ---Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Debby M
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2003 8:15 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Reasons to avoid a "natural" birth

True all women should be supported in their right to make a choice - provided that choice is FULLY INFORMED.

I know from first hand experience it rarely is.  Obstetricians in particular, and some midwives too, act in a patriarchial manner and treat their clients like children - what you don't know can't hurt you - when it comes to providing information.  Until this situation changes women will be only a pawn or a vessel in bringing children into this world not a truely active participant who is control of her own decisions and birth.

For some interesting commentary and discussion on choice see this article:

http://www.birthlove.com/free/choosing.html

Debby

 

>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

>Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Reasons to avoid a "natural" birth

>Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 06:37:56 EST

>

>Hi,

>

>Deep breath in, ok I'm about to loose a lot of favour here but hey ho....

>

>What about supporting all women in there choices even if they are not the

>choices we would make? Shouldn't we empower women and then support them in

>their decisions?

>

>Lesia (setting the cat among the pigeons)

>--

>This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics.

>Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.

---

Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.