Post by Joanna Polisena on Aug 31, 2011 12:14:57 GMT -5
scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/08/a_whole_new_world_of_quacks.php#commentsArea
I'll give you a hint: PZ is very much against it. Calls it "quakery." I can agree with him on many things, but I do have to take a step back here.
It's my opinion that homebirthing is acceptable and appropriate in certain situations. If there are no complications, and proper prenatal care has been provided through delivery, there's no reason a woman should feel like she's "wooing" to give birth at home.
First, it's cheaper. Second, you have more control over your environment and the experience. A woman can manage her pain better in a less stressful environment, and the comforts of home can be that for many.
Not only that, but you are limited on who can be there for the birth in a hospital. I had hoped for a homebirth so that I could have the whole family - mine and hubby's - there to share the experience.
But, I was high-risk. Homebirthing was not an option for me. I had to do it at the hospital. It is what it is. We were at least able to have our mothers there with us. Everyone else had to sit in the waiting room or go home.
In the end, it's a good thing I was in the hospital. Not only did my water break at 36 weeks (fortunately, AT the hospital for an appointment), but, after 17 hours (trying to push this kid out for 6-7 hours) and not being able to get my BIG boy out, I had a c-section. Little man was face-up and his forehead was caught on my pelvic bone. They tried very many painful twisting techniques, but he wouldn't budge.
Anyway, you have to be reasonable about your situation and be flexible when the time comes. We'd done the whole birth plan thing but didn't even have it onhand when the time came. After the first 7 hours of labor and only getting to 4 cm, I went against my previous decision to go drug-free. I got an epidural...and LOVED it.
I think if a woman understands the risks and is willing to accept those risks to have things done her way, then that is her choice. Making educational materials available would do a lot more good that insulting women for the choices they make for their own lives.
So, if anyone is out there reading, what do you think about homebirthing?
I'll give you a hint: PZ is very much against it. Calls it "quakery." I can agree with him on many things, but I do have to take a step back here.
It's my opinion that homebirthing is acceptable and appropriate in certain situations. If there are no complications, and proper prenatal care has been provided through delivery, there's no reason a woman should feel like she's "wooing" to give birth at home.
First, it's cheaper. Second, you have more control over your environment and the experience. A woman can manage her pain better in a less stressful environment, and the comforts of home can be that for many.
Not only that, but you are limited on who can be there for the birth in a hospital. I had hoped for a homebirth so that I could have the whole family - mine and hubby's - there to share the experience.
But, I was high-risk. Homebirthing was not an option for me. I had to do it at the hospital. It is what it is. We were at least able to have our mothers there with us. Everyone else had to sit in the waiting room or go home.
In the end, it's a good thing I was in the hospital. Not only did my water break at 36 weeks (fortunately, AT the hospital for an appointment), but, after 17 hours (trying to push this kid out for 6-7 hours) and not being able to get my BIG boy out, I had a c-section. Little man was face-up and his forehead was caught on my pelvic bone. They tried very many painful twisting techniques, but he wouldn't budge.
Anyway, you have to be reasonable about your situation and be flexible when the time comes. We'd done the whole birth plan thing but didn't even have it onhand when the time came. After the first 7 hours of labor and only getting to 4 cm, I went against my previous decision to go drug-free. I got an epidural...and LOVED it.
I think if a woman understands the risks and is willing to accept those risks to have things done her way, then that is her choice. Making educational materials available would do a lot more good that insulting women for the choices they make for their own lives.
So, if anyone is out there reading, what do you think about homebirthing?