Common Interventions In Childbirth;
How They Endanger You And Your Baby

Managing birth carefully might seem like a good idea at first. Obstetricians seem to have all kinds of devices to monitor and keep the mother and the baby safe. However, research has shown that many of the interventions that were designed to prevent complications actually create them. According to Dr. Ian Chalmers "Obstetrics has been rated as the least scientifically-based specialty in medicine".

Birth is largely effected by the emotional/ psychological state of the mother. When a mother feels uncomfortable, and there are many interventions, the body will respond with a series of adverse reactions. Dr. Grantley Dick Read, warns that fear in childbirth sets off a destructive cycle which leads to pain and complications in childbirth. Hormones and endorphins which would otherwise be aiding the mother in giving birth to her child are suppressed, and stress hormones are produced instead, which slow down the labor and create pain for the mother. This slowing down of the birth is actually a natural response. When the mother is fearful, under stress and uncomfortable (from too many people being present, interventions, an unfamiliar place etc.), the body assumes that the mother is in danger, so it halts the birth so that the mother can get to a safe place before her baby is born. You can read more about this fear/flight response in my article "Natures Plan for Success in Childbirth".

Interventions can cause emotional trauma for the mother. It is not uncommon for a mother to suffer from depression after a 'high tech' birth. Birth is naturally a private and sacred moment in a woman's life, and when it is not recognized as such, when her sacred body is exposed, and her emotional and spiritual needs are overlooked, the mother can easily feel violated.

Many women do not know that they have a choice. It is simply something a woman must endure to have a healthy mother/baby outcome. With this page, I hope to explain that this is false and that a hospital is not necessarily the safest place to have a baby. Women do not have to be martyrs if they choose natural childbirth. Giving birth can be wonderful and pleasurable. Many women giving birth at home actually look forward to giving birth. The father can be more involved in welcoming his child into the world, and children can be present if the mother desires. A positive birth experience will strengthen and uplift the family.

INTERVENTIONS
(click to read more about each intervention)
Fasting
Amniotomy
IVs
Pitocin
Bedrest/Suppine Position
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
Vaginal Exams
Episiotomy
Epidural Anesthesia
Pushing on Demand
Lithotomy Position

A few final words:
I've just listed the most common of interventions. There are many, many more; vacuum extraction, forceps, and cesarean section, to name a few. These carry even greater risks! Sometimes interventions are necessary, but if at all possible, it is safer to try to resolve complications naturally first - such as getting a mom on hands and knees in the event of a shoulder dystoxia instead of using forceps. It helps to be informed.

Any kind of intervention or interruption in the flow of labor is likely to cause some problems or delays. If you've had a cat who's given birth to her kittens you know to leave her alone. If the natural flow of labor is disturbed, she will wait to give birth until she is in a safe place.

Studies have shown that women are the same way. Michael Odent said "The right place to give birth would be the right place to make love." If a woman is undisturbed during labor and birth, and if she is unafraid and trusts that her body is designed to give birth, she will have a much easier, shorter, safer, and pleasant birth.

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