Bobby, you make a very valid point. To the Negative Nancys out there: Instead of all this criticism, I'd like to read suggestions on how the US can take steps to develop an integrated maternity system utilizing both the OB-GYN and midwifery models of care. Doctors and midwives are not equal options--rather, the professions are complementary.
In 1977, OB-GYNs and Pediatricians saved my life. My mother experienced a "high risk" pregnancy resulting in pre-term labor. I was born at 32 weeks gestation, weighing 2lbs, 9oz. I spent 6 weeks in NICU. Thank God for modern medicine.
In 2003, I was a healthy first-time-mom who experienced pregnancy without any complications. I chose to plan a homebirth with 2 highly skilled midwives in attendance and a backup doctor on-call. My oldest daughter was born in the comfort of our home, weighing 9lbs, 2oz.
My 2nd homebirth was in 2006. We employed the same "birth team" of midwives and a backup doc. That pregnancy and birth was more challenging than my first. I honestly believe if it hadn't been for my birth team's willingness to work together, our outcome would not have been so positive. At 37 weeks gestation, my youngest daughter joined us weighing 8lbs, 12oz.
My point is that each birth is unique. It would be beneficial if people stopped painting maternity care with the broad strokes of short sighted generalizations. Let's support one another's choices. Yes. There is room for improvement in America's maternity system. However, alienating moms with divisive language and discrediting the skills of modern physicians isn't helpful.
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