I'm one who did it with no drugs because that was my choice. I also gave birth at a birth center, with midwives, knowing we were across the street from the hospital should we need more. Sadly I have had some women attack me for my choice, and tell me I risked my child's life for my selfish desire to not deliver in the hospital. They are often the same women who tell me I was stupid to not use drugs. LOL Sorry, I had an easy pregnancy and delivery. It was the right choice for us. My poor sister was the opposite. She was in such pain, and labors lasted so long, that I was the one yelling for the nurses to get her help through meds. They were about to do a section on her first but there was a midwife on staff who calmed her down, and helped her try to push one more time, which led to the birth of her daughter. My sister was grateful she had that assistance.
But, there is no doubt that home births increase the risk of death to the baby. A recent study highlight this: Increasing trend in home birth neonatal mortality rates -- ScienceDaily But, it is because of location, not the fact that the baby was delivered by a midwife, or without drugs. I like the recommendation that hospital develop better programs in house using midwives and meet the needs of women who do not want as much medical intervention unless necessary.
Personally I believe there is a push for alternative births because people realized that c-sections are happening too often because the doctor fears a lawsuit, gets paid more, and can better control the inconvenince of being disturbed on their off hours for a delivery. Here is a recent study showing how many c-sections are unnecessary and that where you deliver may play a role. Hospitals performing too many unnecessary C-sections, Consumer Reports finds - NY Daily News And this wonderful Harvard study which provides an overview of the hows and whys: The rise in the use of C-sections in recent decades | Harvard Magazine Nov-Dec 2012
The bottom line is that each woman, and their partner, should make the decision that is best for them. And other women should respect that decision.
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