Also poor hydration results in inefficient uterine contractions. Recent - 2001 - medical studies show women NEED almost twice the IV volumes commonly given. Poor hydration results in longer labors which is directly associated with increased C-sections, forceps, medication, vacuum extractions etc.

Some other tools include:

Q: Don't most women have to have an epidural to stand the pain?

A: It is a sad commentary that today so many women fear birth that they feel deeply this is the only way to "tolerate" labor. Women are held hostage by the medical community with the illusion of "pain free" childbirth. This attitude keeps women shackeled to a mode of care which undermines confidence that their bodies work. It also keeps women enmeshed with a form of care that has been documented over and over again as "interfering" with the process of MOST births. Yes, labor hurts! But you don't usually need morphine to deal with a sprained ankle. Yet it is often implied when speaking with a medical professional that the "epidural" is the BEST solution to labor pain.

The truth is that 90% of women birthing these days (including about 70% birthing in industialized countries) do so without epidurals. Yet they do not view the process as one of unendurable agony. This is a great tool for some particular circumstances - but very real risks are commonly glossed over when information is given about the "benefits" of this technology. The attitude is invariably "if this little thing happens - and it is sooo rare - we can take care of it" (no big deal).

BUT, MEDELING WITH THE NORMAL PROGRESS OF LABOR AND BIRTH ALMOST ALWAYS CAUSES A PROBLEM OF SOME KIND FOR THE MAJORITY OF WOMEN! MANY ARE A BIG DEAL!

Epidurals have side effects that do cause problems for many moms and babys. These tend to be downplayed as of little consequence when a doctor or nurse is explaining the epidural to a woman in labor. But the problems caused are significant. They interfere with the progress of labor to such a degree that a woman has a greater risk of having to have a c-section or forceps or vacuum assisted delivery. All of these have added risk for injury to baby or mom. Epidurals can be misplaced - you can get a spinal headache (and they are horrible - worse than labor). Studies have now shown babies can have feeding difficulties for up to a week after birth. This can cause serious problems for breastfeeding in particular.

Epidural use is a great tool when necessary - but in todays medical care system it is used so often it is abusing the birthing process not aiding it for a huge number of women.

Q: Isn't it dangerous to not have your baby in a hospital - don't you have to have a doctor there?

A:WELL - I do have a bias that the opposite is better. Hospitals, doctors and medical care are very important when there are problems. BUT... Most babies that have been born on this earth have been greeted by Non-physician hands. Most births are problem free if you have confidence in the process instead of FEARING THE RARE OCCURANCE and that your patient might sue you. It is well documented that there are no differences in statistics for deaths of mom or baby in midwifery or physician care. It is also well documented that actually hospital statistics are far higher for forcep delivery, infection, c-section, drug complications etc. In other words there are more problems and injuries for a healthy woman and her baby if they are receiving medical care than if they use a midwife.

We have become so dependant on the idea that the doctor can fix it all and knows it all that most women in this country will doubt what they often sense is a better choice. After all "HE/SHE is a Doctor. In England, France, Holland and many other counties that have better birth statistic than ours, midwives provide most of the care and 50 % or more of the births occur at home or out-of-hospital clinics. In this country it is economically beneficial for physicians and hospitals to keep women convinced that the only safe place is "THE HOSPITAL".