Theme: Trends vs. Traditions
Both trends and traditions can be important in birth; yet they may conflict with each other. Some may even be harmful. This issue of Midwifery Today focuses on some of those trends and traditions, and sorting the good from the bad or unnecessary.
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Photo by Paul Volkmer
A reflection on the nature of time, our culture and midwives.
Photo by Carolyn Brown
Author Jill Cohen lists and contrasts numerous trends in birthing practices. Read more…. Trends vs. Traditions
Photos provided by author
Tom and I made the very careful and, for us, very clear-cut decision to have our third child under the care of a homebirth midwife. The decision was easy for us, because the idea of having the child at home fit with where we were as a family. We had moved to a new community about a year earlier hoping to live more simply, more thoughtfully and more intentionally. We wanted not to accept the status quo, but to follow our own course that may or may not have been the societally accepted path. It was also easy because, as a nurse, I had begun working for a visiting nurse and hospice organization, providing home care for people who were ill or dying. This role and work showed me first-hand how natural, safe and true I felt helping people stay in their homes during the difficult time when most people are transferred from family and community to doctors and institutions.
Illustration by Minhoon Kim
This third article in our four-part series on bullying focuses on the target of the bully, and the effects on her, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Read more…. The Target of the Bully and the Effects of PTSD
Photo by Regina Calvo
They say they’re sad about me leaving: Who will take care of them? What they don’t know is that the loss is mine as well. My patients—some hated me, some loved me, and some passed by me. And yet they are all part of me, part of my time, part of my heart. And I am sad, sad, sad to no longer have the opportunity to serve, to be loved, to be hated.
Photo by Sara Kurfeß
How does one draw the line between resounding enthusiasm for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and an accepting attitude towards one’s limitations? Many in the natural childbirth culture advocate a laissez-faire approach toward all VBACs, excepting the typical obstetric interventions of induction, continuous monitoring, and the like. These enthusiasts dismiss virtually any reservation. I have a unique perspective on this topic: My attempted VBAC at The Farm ended in a transport and full uterine rupture.
Midwives, with their focus on the caring rather than management, can help to prevent an overly-medicalized birth outcome. Frequent contributor Judy Slome Cohain contrasts the story of birth that was published in a popular magazine with how it might have been had the mother been cared for by a midwife.
How does one draw the line between resounding enthusiasm for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and an accepting attitude towards one’s limitations? Many in the natural childbirth culture advocate a laissez-faire approach toward all VBACs, excepting the typical obstetric interventions of induction, continuous monitoring, and the like. These enthusiasts dismiss virtually any reservation. I have a unique perspective on this topic: My attempted VBAC at The Farm ended in a transport and full uterine rupture.
Photo by Annie Spratt
Did you know that honey was used for healing wounds before penicillin was discovered? Read about how and why this traditional medicine has become a trend in certain parts of the world.
One of my most important roles in my midwifery life is that of encourager. My desire is that you carry out the dreams given to you—and I know you have them. I delight in telling about people carrying out their dreams as a way, hopefully, to inspire you. Read more…. Carry Out Your Visions and Dreams
Photo by Mike Lewinski
A beautiful birth story that weaves together the past and present in New Mexico.
Birth is a sacred experience and should be treated as such, argues Caroline Wise. Let’s ensure that women the space and respect they deserve.
