More Links for Birth Junkies

I have recently been following a few birthy blogs that I have found very informative and thought-provoking. These blogs are by women who think, and it is very evident in the well-defended positions they take.

Spouting off opinions may be good enough for some, but for me, I appreciate ones who will take the time to gather the research that defends their view, which in turn causes me to lean toward that view myself. Being a cynical and critical person by nature, it is very important to me to be able to see the logic behind the opinion.

It is not wise to blindly believe something just because someone important has said it, and I appreciate that these women (two midwives and an L&D nurse) for the most part keep from spouting opinions alone. (I will say, however, that I do not agree with every position they take. But so far, I do respect the way they take them.)

So, for any person who is gung-ho about researching birth and the things that go along with it, I encourage you to visit these blogs:

Jan Tritten's Blog
Jan's last post includes this great tidbit that I believe is packed with wisdom and meaning. Speaking of encouraging expectant parents to be educated and informed, she advises midwives and doulas to be aware of "the pitfalls of the mindless use of technology." The fact is that most expectant parents just go right along with routine tests and treatments without batting an eye or asking any questions as to the relevance of particular procedures in their own unique situations.

Personally, this ignorance is what has made me (at least at this point) not consider midwifery as something I would like to pursue. There are so many people who do not consider themselves the primarily responsible party for their own health and well-being, and I think this has to be one of the most frustrating things about being a medical caregiver of any kind, let alone birth-related. I don't know how doctors, nurses or midwives deal with this kind of person (based on my conversations with friends who are in the medical field, I don't think I'd be exaggerating to assume these people make up the majority of medical patients). For me, I would find it too frustrating to deal with on a constant basis, with only now and then a person who is informed, asks good questions and wants to be involved in their own care decisions.

Gloria Lemay's Blog

I have especially appreciated Gloria's information, because she is very thorough, giving citations (I find this very important if you are making a claim!) and sources.

Along the same lines of thoroughness is Nursing Birth. I love that as an L&D nurse, she's right there in the middle of everything and can attest to what routinely (and unnecessarily) goes into a hospital birth. And it is very inspiring when, in that hospital, she can help an informed couple achieve a satisfying, no-frills birth!