Originally Posted by Kentish Spitfire  Perhaps the best way forward is for a compromise where minimal observations are carried out and no interventions unless they are medically necessary, but that a trusting relationship is built up with the midwife so that if she explains to the woman that she needs to listen into baby (for instance - if mec is present) the woman will trust her to do so only when necessary.
KS x |
Thats what we do anyway isnt it?
Freebirthing to me is where no midwives are present and women go ahead and birth at home/anywhere they want. 'Knowledge is power' as the great Karl Marx said and even if the women feel they are knowledgable enough to birth without the support of professional help then I still do not think its advisable.
My reasoning is the 'what if's?' - yes yes we all know that what if can be taken to extremes but what if the baby doesnt breathe? even the most practised resuscitator may not function optimally if it is their baby they are working on, what if the woman has a PPH? she may know how to manage a PPH but thats no good to her if she is bleeding so heavily that the supply to her brain is lessened so she cant think properly.. I could go on spouting the potential horrors of childbirth but you all know them.
My point is women have been attending women for centuries and the most experienced and knowledgable women are the ones called for first - the wise women bringing their herbs, tinctures and the reassurance that someone is present who can act as is neccessary to ensure the best outcome for mum and baby.
However with units morphing into birth centres and obstetric units now being miles and miles away from alot of women, we will see more women taking their chances with freebirthing as they feel its the only way they get what they want. The only problem is they may get more than they bargained for.