Guest Author - Maryn Leister

Do you know the truth about birth in this country?

If you were asked where the US ranks in terms of infant mortality, what would your guess be?

I have a feeling most people would assume that with our doctors and technology that our babies have the best chance of survival in the first month. Don't you just assume that the US would be one of the safest places to give birth? Other countries, like Canada and Sweden don't have nearly as many baby specialists or as easy access to neonatal units as we do. But still they outrank us!

So, according to the latest CDC stats, why are 42 other countries ahead of us when it comes to our babies living? I think it is the attitude about birth that pervades this country that has helped brainwash women into thinking that hospital birth is safest for them. It's not!! In countries such as Sweden (which is ranked number 1, by the way) there is a complete opposite ratio of obstetricians to midwives- meaning most women choose midwives, and the rest choose doctors. Homebirth is usual, and seen as the practical thing to do when you are having a normal pregnancy. We've got it completely turned around here. We let specialists in pathology care for one of the most natural states that our bodies will ever experience. WHY?

Maybe it is that we have put our trust in caregivers who specialize in pathology, instead of viewing pregnancy as a healthy condition. It is the whole attitude of looking for something “wrong” in a pregnancy, and not encouraging and trusting the woman to be in touch with what is going on in her own body. Instead of education about nutrition, we agree to countless ultrasounds to tell us how our baby is doing. And when it comes times to birth, we force out babies out with drugs when the timeline isn't satisfactory for our caregivers. We've lost our power in birth, and given it to specialists.

Problem is, the babies don't like it this way, and the infant mortality rate is a great indicator of that. We need to get the real facts about pregnancy and birth, and not be scared to demand what we know we need. Consider ALL of the information about induction, or epidurals, for example, and you will be shocked at what most people don't concern themselves with.

We are a statistic right now, but we can change that. Research your birthing options and know the risks and benefits of absolutely everything you choose regarding your health and your baby's health. Make a conscious choice!