More Choice for Birthing Women
A recent government initiative has highlighted
that there should be increased choice for women in where
and how they want to birth their babies. At present
it seems that the choice is destined to polarise. Mums
may elect to birth in a large, centralised maternity
unit, with consultant obstetricians on call, in a birthing
centre or at home. There is talk of an increase in home
births.
The difficulty seems to be a shortage
of midwives to provide the choice we hope will truly
be offered to women. Too often the “walk”
does not follow the “talk”. HypnoBirthing
parents know the importance of a caregiver who understands
the value of empowering women to birth, if at all possible,
in the way they want to – helping the only birth
this baby will have be the most calm and comfortable
it can possibly be. We are truly fortunate in UK to
have a midwife led service. The “Campaign for
Normal Birth” in UK has highlighted the direction
in which midwives would like to go. Let’s hope
they get the chance!
An Increased Need for Doulas
There has been an upsurge in the need
for doulas in Scotland (Daily Mail – April 9th
2007)
A “doula” is a non-medical birth companion
(see webpage “DOULA” )
The slant of the article is that women
are now having to pay for what midwives and husbands
have traditionally offered – comfort and support
for the mum in labour.
The article misses the point. A doula
is not intended to be a substitute for these people.
She provides the emotional and practical support that
women have been offering women in labour since time
began – like a gran, aunt, elder woman in a village.
Midwives cannot be with a woman for the entirety of
her labour – one on one – a doula can and
does. We know that women given this kind of support
are less likely to use drugs or have a surgical birth.
Recommended Reading
For anyone interested in birthing, a classic
work in “Birth Without Violence” by French
obstetrician, Frederick Leboyer (Healing Arts Press).
His work is translated from the French and is a delight
to read for anyone who is interested in the birth experience,
especially from the baby’s perspective. His insight
and compassion speaks on every page of his very readable
work. Speaking of the effect of a calm, natural birth
on the baby, leBoyer writes:
“Because his first experience
has been so rich and so pleasant, this baby will always
be an adventurer.
Life, for him, will always be a
challenge, which he will meet with confidence and
courage, and an eagerness to try and taste everything
new that might cross his path.”
Stop Press!!!!
“HypnoBirthing – The Mongan
Method” – the anglicised version –
is now available in UK bookstores. If you don’t
see it there, ask! Until now this book has had references
to birthing in US. It has been rewritten to take account
of different practices and language in UK. Remember
the book, although truly inspirational, is no substitute
for a teacher. You can find your local HypnoBirthing
Practitioner by looking on www.hypnobirthing.co.uk
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