Midwifery & changing American birth..
There is a growing awareness among American families about choices in childbirth and as a result of that the number of so-called out-of-hospital births is becoming increasingly popular. We credit the Internet and increased media attention for spreading the word, but independent films and documentaries have done a terrific job of building consumer awareness of the current options. One such film, "The Business of Being Born", has had a tremendous impact on many new families' birthing decisions. Most new clients will tell me that viewing this film was a revelation to them.
Certified Professional Midwives are growing in numbers as well. The majority offers home birth services, while some work in birth centers and some do both. It is a far cry from the ways of the fifties, sixties and even early seventies when all births took place in hospitals where babies were born to doped-up mothers who were often subjected to high-intervention deliveries involving episiotomy and forceps to get their baby's out. Mothers and babies were also routinely separated, and breastfeeding was not supported at all.
The notion that the birth experience belongs to the mother and her baby, and that it should be protected from unnecessary interventions and possible harm is finally gaining ground! Pregnant women are asserting themselves by interviewing midwives, touring birthing centers, realizing that they need to actively participate and take responsibility for their prenatal care and birth if they want to achieve their best possible outcome.
Along with this trend we see a plethora of childbirth preparation classes on offer that are developed by women, which is the only kind that makes good sense. These courses teach about anatomy, healthy pregnancy, stages of labor, coping skills and breastfeeding - all through insight and respect for the physiology of normal childbirth which makes them an excellent fit in the natural birth setting.
The state of South Carolina grants a license to Certified Professional Midwives to practice midwifery independently. Licenses are renewable every two years provided all required re-certifications, and continued education hours are procured. The CPM credential is renewable every three years. SC Licensed midwives work within the guidelines of SC Regulations for Licensed Midwives (SCDHEC61-24) and must carefully screen prospective clients on certain health criteria. A good candidate for midwifery care and a planned home birth is in good health, without a complicating medical history, and the willingness to take responsibility for their pregnancy and birth in collaboration with their chosen midwife.
Having one's baby out of hospital with a Licensed Midwife is a viable option for SC families, and we are very happy to respond to the growing demand for our services !
Web Links
Palmetto Association of Licensed Midwives
Midwives Alliance of North America
The North American Registry of Midwives
South Carolina Dept of Health & Environmental Control - Midwives Regulation 61-24
Good Reads
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin
Heart and Hands - Elizabeth Davis
Mama Natural - Genevieve Howland
Jessica Mitford - The American Way of Birth
Active Birth - Janet Balaskas
Certified Professional Midwives are growing in numbers as well. The majority offers home birth services, while some work in birth centers and some do both. It is a far cry from the ways of the fifties, sixties and even early seventies when all births took place in hospitals where babies were born to doped-up mothers who were often subjected to high-intervention deliveries involving episiotomy and forceps to get their baby's out. Mothers and babies were also routinely separated, and breastfeeding was not supported at all.
The notion that the birth experience belongs to the mother and her baby, and that it should be protected from unnecessary interventions and possible harm is finally gaining ground! Pregnant women are asserting themselves by interviewing midwives, touring birthing centers, realizing that they need to actively participate and take responsibility for their prenatal care and birth if they want to achieve their best possible outcome.
Along with this trend we see a plethora of childbirth preparation classes on offer that are developed by women, which is the only kind that makes good sense. These courses teach about anatomy, healthy pregnancy, stages of labor, coping skills and breastfeeding - all through insight and respect for the physiology of normal childbirth which makes them an excellent fit in the natural birth setting.
The state of South Carolina grants a license to Certified Professional Midwives to practice midwifery independently. Licenses are renewable every two years provided all required re-certifications, and continued education hours are procured. The CPM credential is renewable every three years. SC Licensed midwives work within the guidelines of SC Regulations for Licensed Midwives (SCDHEC61-24) and must carefully screen prospective clients on certain health criteria. A good candidate for midwifery care and a planned home birth is in good health, without a complicating medical history, and the willingness to take responsibility for their pregnancy and birth in collaboration with their chosen midwife.
Having one's baby out of hospital with a Licensed Midwife is a viable option for SC families, and we are very happy to respond to the growing demand for our services !
Web Links
Palmetto Association of Licensed Midwives
Midwives Alliance of North America
The North American Registry of Midwives
South Carolina Dept of Health & Environmental Control - Midwives Regulation 61-24
Good Reads
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin
Heart and Hands - Elizabeth Davis
Mama Natural - Genevieve Howland
Jessica Mitford - The American Way of Birth
Active Birth - Janet Balaskas
