Many hospitals are now instituting the policy that "once a c-section - always a c-section". This was the trend back in the 70s and it is back. The trend began in the Rockford area where hospitals were fearful of raising already high malpractice insurance rates. Now the trend is moving into the Chicago area with several hospitals doing the same. There are several reasons for this. VBAC or vaginal birth after c-section is considered the safest option if there is no induction. What can we do? We can do what Rockford midwife and BirthLink member, Jude Wrzesinski, CNM has done; start a local ICAN (Internatioanl Cesarean Awareness Network Inc) group and start a writing campaign. You can use their letters which you can download, print and send. You can also send your own letters. We hope that mothers and fathers research all their options so that they make informed decisions.
Letter 1: NIH Petition
Letter 2: Surgeon General Petition
Letter 3: Women's Initiative Petition
NHLBI Health Information Center
Women s Health Initiative
PO Box 30105
Bethesda MD 20824-0105
The Surgeon General
Office of the Surgeon General
5600 Fishers Lane
Room 18-66
Rockville MD 20857
Check out ICAN for additional information on these issues.
Birth Stories Update
My trip to Paris in the fall of 2003 for the Midwifery Today conference was wonderful and very enlightening. I learned that there is still support for traditional midwifery in twenty five countries! I also learned that Brazil and Iran have a 90% c-section rate! The trip was very inspiring for me. I also was able to meet Ina May Gaskin and Michel Odent which was very exciting.
The current trend in birth in the US is getting out of hand. The medical community blames the law suits and the patient blames the doctors. The lawyers seem to be the only winners. Once a c-section always a c-section, elective c-section, 50% induction rates, 90% epidural rates and 30-40% c-section rates (varies based on facility) plus the increase in maternal and infant mortality associated with the increase in c-sections seem to indicate that our health care system is in a major need of an overhaul. Include episiotomies, vacuum extraction and forceps and you have over 50% of births with some kind of operative procedure. All this perpetuates birth fear.
What happened to the joyful or ecstatic birth experiences that are the right of parents and babies? Our project will educate parents about their birth options. I hope they will continue to have options. Healthcare consumers need to demand the safest most satisfying options. How can they is they don't know they have any? Unfortunately I have had to put our project on hold until I can raise money to have the stories edited. Then I will resume the project.
Recap of activities:
- Have done 15 interviews including one in French w/English translation Interviews on hold for now but have more mothers lined up Have some great Latina and African American interviews Working on transcriptions and editing as time permits Postponed trips to other countries until money is available Sample stories for posting to BirthLink web site in process Will show edits to at least three people on board Edit stories at sound studio
- Equipment shipped to India to collect birth stories there
I am more committed to this project than ever before. I will find a way to finance it and continue this important work. My latest idea is getting sponsors for our stories. I have to first get the samples done so potential sponsors can see/hear what they are sponsoring. Thank you for your patience. As usual projects take more time and effort than we first imagined.
Best Birth Wishes,
Jo Anne Lindberg
Free Standing Birth Center Project
Auction for Beautiful Design Concept Open Now
Thanks to architect, Sharmila Subramaniam, we are now offering the design of this wonderful facility to the highest bidder. This beautiful building incorporates a large water feature in the center and a lovely garden area. The bidding will begin at $1000. Just e-mail us at BirthLink and let us know if you are interested in submitting a bid. Be sure to include your complete contact information with mailing address and phone. This project is a research based professional concept design. The plans would need to be developed for your specific site. All proceeds will be donated to BirthLink.Details on the Free Standing Birth Center Project
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