It's Your Birth Right!!

At the end of last week I had the PLEASURE of attending the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) conference where I was blessed to meet and network with so many strong women. It was absolutely phenomenal!!

As I sat there listening to stories and gaining knowledge I was reminded of a conversation I had with a midwife (I’ll call her “Kim”) about 5 years ago while working in a hospital in northern California. We were both taking care of a low risk patient.  I was the labor nurse and Kim was the CNM working that day. Kim was a midwife with extensive birth experience.  She had initially become a lay midwife during the natural birth movement in the early 70’s.  Years later she went back to school and became a CNM.  Needless to say she had a wealth of information and tremendous insight. 

There was a small bit of controversy regarding the patient’s plan of care.  I could see that Kim was as upset as I was about the level of intervention that was taking place.  I asked her “What do you think we need to do to put a stop to this medicalization of birth? How can we move back to normal birth?” 

She shook her head. She looked sadden and discouraged. She waited a long time before she responded and then she said… “Until women rise up in a grass roots way the way WE did in the early 70’s and demand change, nothing is going to happen.”   This statement formed a fantastic visual for me and I have kept it with me for the past 5 years.  I am excited to say that change is DEFINITELY in the air. 

Women are tired of being told when, where, and how to birth. Women are ready to take control of their pregnancies and birth experiences and they are speaking up about it. I witnessed proof of this first hand while attending the ICAN conference.  It was wonderful to be sitting right there in the midst of this grassroots movement, watching it as it continues to unfold and take shape.  

Women spoke up about their personal victories.  Some changed laws in their states, others help change policies at their local hospital.  Some spoke about getting the vaginal birth they had always hoped for and others talked about healing from the trauma of their c/section.  Whatever their victory was they were proud and spoke with strength and authority.  Yes….we are in the midst of this grass roots movement, the kind I believe Kim spoke about, the kind that CAN change the face of maternity care in this country. 

This morning I learned that The Birth Survey, another integral part of this grassroots movement is now fully functional. Women who have had a baby in the past 3 years, and women who are pregnant can use the online service to either rate, or look at the ratings of providers, hospitals, and birth centers in their area.  I did a test search myself and it is GREAT. It will get even better as more women take time to share their opinions.  Have you had a baby in the past 3 years?  This is your chance to join this grassroots movement. 

As an individual who has been a part of the OB community for 15 years, I am EXCITIED! I feel the rumble. The energy is fierce and I am so glad that I am a part of this movement.  I know, like any grass roots effort, change does not always come easy or fast but it can come with continued networking, sharing, and support.  Find out how you can join the movement. Make your voice heard and let’s make maternity care more safe, more personal, and more powerful for women and their families.  After all…it’s their Birth Right!

In Birth and Love
Nicole