I've been reading a lot about the debacle surrounding home birth, and I really feel like I need to throw my two cents in. Regardless of whether or not you support home birth, you should be able to agree with the idea of a woman's right to choose her own birth plan, whether it involves a hospital, birthing center (independent or within a hospital), or home birth. It's a basic right, but believe it or not, but there are people out there who want to deprive us of it. A group representing America's OB/GYNs is pushing legislation to ban home birth- believe it or not.
Although it will be awhile longer until Brett and I have kids, I've been doing a lot of reading on the subject, because I want to know my options. I refuse to believe that there's an all-encompassing "right" way to give birth- one that is "right" for everyone. I don't buy into the concept that the average birth is safer in a hospital, or that an MD is required to safely deliver a baby. Unfortunately, Tricare will make it somewhat difficult to have the kind of birth plan I want (first choice (if no complications): home birth assisted by a midwife and doula; second choice: birthing center independent of a hospital), so I feel like I need to be prepared to fight for what I want. And I'd rather do the research before I have incredible levels of hormones racing through my body and a timeline forcing me to figure it all out, thank you.
I'm not asking you to agree with me- I'm just asking that you do the research and empower yourself to make the decision that's right for you.
Some good resources, if you're interested:
There are lots of good books and movies out there, too!
- On a side note, I think I am going to take on The 100 Pushup Challenge, as mentioned in Sally Ann's blog. On my last PT test I only did 35, and max is 42. The main problem I have is getting them done quickly enough, as we only have 1 minute. I figure if I can master the challenge, I will get fast enough to get max points. Pushups are such a pain to train for! Generally I bench press instead of practicing them, but I got in the habit of lifting for max weight instead of more reps. Right now my best is 135#, which I achieved in the desert the last time I was there. I just get bored doing the same routine over and over! I plan on going for 150# this fall.
2 comments:
Yeah 100 push-up challenge! I'm thrilled to have company on that; keep me posted on your progress. David's doing it too.
And as far as home birth goes, the more I talk to friends that are having or have had babies, the more and more appealing the natural birth route is looking. I'm like you; I want to figure out my options and plan it out before I'm pregnant. Less to worry about!
Keep the posts coming--love 'em!
I had been wondering about Tricare! My insurance probably won't cover it either, but luckily most birth centers and midwives will allow you to pay them on a plan. Since a lot of midwives only charge ~$4000 (depending on home or center), and our out-of-pocket hospital bill was at least $2000, it wouldn't be unheard of for us to pay for the whole thing. But it would be great if the state would pay, since I feel we deserve it!
What scares me most about making homebirth illegal is if that happens, with whom will the hospitals compete? Knowing women do not have the option of homebirth, will they start treating us even WORSE? Bedside manner and even basic decency may not matter when they have captive customers.
I've been meaning to blog this but I've been too pissed off as of yet to attempt it.
Post a Comment