Brenda Lane's Blog
Posted by Brenda Lane
I happen to be one of those people who love statistics. I love to read statistics from surveys and be able to quote them. The problem is remembering them when I need that information!
Here are a few of the latest statistics on the number of Obstetrical procedures performed on women who give birth in hospitals in the United States as reported by the hospital discharge forms:
- 537,000 mothers had episiotomies
- 928,000 had their membranes ruptured (water broken)
- 616,000 had their labors induced
- 1,262,000 had cesareans
There is reason to believe that some of these numbers may actually be higher than what is reported. According to the Listening to Mothers Survey in 2006, nearly 40% of mothers had their labors induced. If the CDC reports approximately 4 million births occurring in 2005, then just under 2 million of those mothers would have had their labors induced, not 600,000.
How do you feel about the number of obstetrical procedures being reported? Share your thoughts on our forum.
Brenda
Posted by Brenda Lane
This week, I published an article on the topic of unassisted births. For those who are not familiar with the term unassisted birth, it refers to a type of homebirth in which the mother and primary labor partner or spouse choose to give birth without medical assistance.
I can sympathize with the countless women who have told me that in a previous birth, "No one listened to me." I have heard mothers share that they experienced intervention done without their knowledge or their consent.
While parents should educate themselves and take responsibility for the choices they make during pregnancy and labor, most parents are not experts in the field of birth. They have not had training in diagnosing or treating problems. They are also too personally involved (mothers) or distracted (fathers).
Unassisted birthers claim that birth is natural and emergencies rarely happen. That is true. I have been a doula for 12 years, have witnessed over 300 births and have only seen a true emergency about 3 times. However, there are situations that may not be dire emergencies immediately, but if signs are missed or untreated for too long, they can result in emergencies.
Perhaps unassisted births have come into our culture due to a lack of respect for the process of labor and for the laboring woman, on the part of some medical professionals today. My personal opinion is that we need to seek more safe options for birth for every laboring woman rather than encourage parents to try to do it themselves.
Be sure to share your thoughts about unassisted birth on the forum and vote on our poll! (Be sure to go to the bottom of the page.)
Warmly,
Brenda
Posted by Brenda Lane
Expectant parents have the added stress this time of year, waiting for labor to begin, wondering if they should induce labor so that the baby does not arrive on Christmas and trying to rest during postpartum.
One of the best reminders that expectant and new parents have about the purpose for the holidays is right in front of them. Christmas gives us the perfect time to reflect about new birth, families, the importance of relationships and beauty in even the simplest and humblest surroundings. I think about how little Mary had in the stable yet she had what she needed - shelter and warmth. And the newborn Jesus had everything he needed - warm breastmilk and being swaddled in warm cloths.
So here is my note to parents due in the next week. Take it easy. Reflect on your blessings. Enjoy the simple pleasures. And going into labor on Christmas is not the worst that could happen. It makes for a very unique birth story. Anyone who shares a birthday with the Lord Jesus must be special. I am also married to one of those people!
Have a wonderful holiday week!
Brenda
Posted by Brenda Lane
A recent press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the number of birth to teenage mothers is increasing. This is the first increase in births to teens in the past 14 years. From 2005-2005, the number of babies born to teenage mothers rose 3 percent. Experts believe that this is a notable change, though they admit it is too early to suspect that this may be a trend.
The number of births to unmarried mothers is also increasing significantly. From 2002 to 2006, the number of births to unmarried mothers rose by 8%. The most dramatic increase was with women ages 25-29, where births to unmarried mothers rose by 10%.
One of the most troubling aspects of these two statistics is the concern about the increased possibility of a lack of a male parental influence and role model on these babies. Although I have known some wonderful fathers who were not married to their child's mother, it can be a precarious arrangement for the children. One of my great passions is that I so value the role of the father in the home. For more information on this topic, see The Vital role of Fathers Part I and Part II.
Do any of you have concerns, as I do, when I read these statistics? Share your thoughts on the forum.
Warmly,
Brenda
Posted by Brenda Lane
Many mothers with breech babies are discovering that there options for turning babies or having vaginal breech births are all but disappearing these days.
New research in Israel may be changing some of these options with regard to the use of external cephalic versions. This technique is done in the hospital setting by an obstetrician and uses ultrasound to turn the baby manually from a breech to a head down (vertex) position.
A new study published in the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that when a provider performs an external version with the use of spinal anesthesia, the rate of successfully turning the baby rose to 67% versus 34% for women without receiving a spinal The study also reported no cases of either placental abruption or fetal distress.
This is exciting research that can truly help women who are seeking more options for turning their breech babies!
Warmly,
Brenda
