More on the dangers of Inducing Labor

Here is a very short video on the dangers of elective induction.

As we all know, babies come when they are good and ready, and NO ONE is ever pregnant forever. In the absence of a medical condition that has cause for alarm, an induction should not even be considered-- but someone forgot to tell a lot ob OBs that, and I'm hearing more and more about inductions being asked for and allowed at any point past 37 weeks, or the point of 'viability'. If baby was done cooking, it would come out, she doesn't know she's supposed to be viable yet! And if she's not, you have a preemie on your hands because of allowing non-evidence based medicine.

This is just some more information for your tool kit that I hope you never have to use!

A Timely Birth

Here is a great article on the EDDs in pregnancy from Midwifery today.

Taken from the article on induction: But induction of labor causes so many problems that it should be a rarity, performed only when the benefits can be proven to outweigh the risks. Induction multiplies the risk of cesarean section, forceps-assisted delivery, shoulder dystocia, hemorrhage, fetal distress and meconium aspiration. It is a major contributor to birth-related expenses and complications in the US. Yet it is so common that we almost think of it as normal. More than a third of American women were induced in 1999, and another third had labors augmented with Pitocin. (The FDA says that this is the lowest estimate and that the true incidence of induction is "widely under-reported.")

This article goes on to talk about the risks of premature birth, the role of inductions (watch video), increased risks with induction, and the relatively unfounded worries of postdated babies. As the article states, induction is being used FAR TOO OFTEN for women with small risk, but the introduction of pitocin causes much higher risk than what was originally feared, and therefore, seems to be actively causing more danger to mother and child than if they were left alone. This is why I teach and push my students and clients toward an evidence-based medicine model of care, and birth team.

I really think this article gives priority to evidence based medicine, as well as talking plainly about the complicated topic of postdatism, which can be hard to get an answer on. Even the link I've used here considers 37 weeks postdate, of which it is not. It is simply past the general medical idea of 'term', which any professional will tell you is just a guess. HAppily, this article first lists that the EDD might be wrong, and second lists the nonsense!

Thank you Midwifery today-- a fine media outlet, promoting what's best for women and their babes.

Reducing Infant Mortality

This video talks about infant mortality rates and some of the largest contributing factors that deal with it, and what can be done about it. Sadly, race is a large factor. So is prematurity, which is often linked to inductions, and poor nutrition. Other contributing factors are epidural, pitocin induction/augmentation, and cesarean section.

Sadly, the top 6 conditions that commonly end in death come out of L&D. I think it's time to take a look at what is being done routinely and why-- the whole system needs an overhaul. But until then-- it is the responsibility of the parent to know what each procedure does, and what risks go with it, and to manage their pregnancy as best they see fit.

This is a long video, but I do really beleive in what they are saying, and this is something I think every pregnant couple should hear. Your choices as a consumer are so important, and your research on your choices and options can create a better outcome for your baby.

Please watch and support this cause!

http://vimeo.com/6182741

And here is the link to their home page for reference material, and other places to join up with about this cause.