"Born Free" by Dr Rixa Freeze

[demeter]

Have any other bubhubbers heard about or read Rixa Freeze's PhD in American Studies about Unassisted Childbirth?

She links to it on her blog: http://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2009/01...dbirth-in.html

If you're concerned that it will be a dull and difficult read because it is a PhD, don't be. If you have an interest in freebirth you'll get something out of it

[mummykitty]

this is such an interesting read ill deff point some of my friends towards it thanks for sharing

[DoulaRobyn]

Sorry for being a little off topic here... but, *excited* I attended my first ever freebirth (home birth unassisted, couple with me attending - me hands off) recently and I don't think anyone can fully understand the experience until you are actually present at one yourself.

Amazing!

Will go and read the link tomorrow when I am not up settling my bub - well she is 2.5... still a baby I say!

[DoulaRobyn]

Oh you make me want to write my tale out too... I don't even have time to read all of yours yet, but when I get home after work I will sit and read yours and then sit and write mine - interested in reading mine?

[demeter]

Yeah, of course DR

[Mum2Bella]

i think free births are the way to go,I had 2 at home n would love to have another but have complications with this pregnancy.

[PunkyDiva]

This is from a link on the site you posted and is exactly how I feel a certain forums members behave.
Very unethical and dangerous behaviour which has unfortuneately delivered the inevitable consequences.
The backlash of which has not only damaged chances of HomeBirth becoming a legitimate accessable choice for all and Midwives getting II so they can stay registered and therefore able to practise privately but also any good that was being done for change within our current Hospital maternity Services. It is very selfish behaviour on the part of privileged minority who appear to have no real empathy for individual informed choice and far better equal care and outcomes, for all woman.

I also perceive that "within the circle" there is some oneupsmanship when it comes to giving birth -- that those who UC are seen as having had the pinnacle experience, or *truly* "trust birth," and are in the upper echelons of the birth world, whereas those who have a hands-off midwife (preferably a lay midwife, or a certified midwife if necessary) are down a rung, and those who choose some CPMs or CNMs to attend their home birth are down another rung, and those who would like to give birth at home but just can't make that jump, so choose a low-intervention midwife or doc are down another rung, etc.

I don't know why that should be, but it is, in far too many places. This could happen in a lot of different ways -- for example, people trying to be just a little more frugal or environmentally aware than the next person. It's only unhealthy when you look down on people as being somehow less than you simply because they make different choices from you.

When I was pregnant this past time (2nd baby), I felt a strong pull towards non-intervention and UC. This "pull" wasn't from within, but because of the email groups I was on -- the ones that promoted not just home birth of any flavor, but they also specifically promoted UC as a peak experience. I felt almost like I was a sellout to want a midwife.

Not that I think most of the contributors intended it that way, but that's the way I felt.

Then I did end up not calling the mw in time, so had a UC, and would not want to repeat the experience. But I'm confident enough in my beliefs and experience and *myself* that I don't feel like I need to defend myself against the more vocal UCers. I merely give my experience, and they can take it or leave it as they choose. No big deal.

DoulaRobyn & Demeter...why did those woman need/want a Doula, what did/can you offer them that isn't available (plus more) with a Midwife ??
By being employed at a birth without a midwife you are acting as a psuedo midwife, does not the consequences of that misrepresentation of your abilities, not just for yourself but for all Doula's, concern you ? Are you aware of what is being considered because of recent deaths at UB's attended by a Doula ?

It just reeks of extremist behaviour that benefits none.

[jag5000]

Very unethical and dangerous behaviour which has unfortuneately delivered the inevitable consequences.
The backlash of which has not only damaged chances of HomeBirth becoming a legitimate accessable choice for all and Midwives getting II so they can stay registered and therefore able to practise privately but also any good that was being done for change within our current Hospital maternity Services.

There's lot a lot I can add to sum up my feelings.

I am a staunch supporter of birth choices but I do believe that there in an onus on us all as women and members of society to understand the consequences of our actions.

On a personal note I also feel the elitism that PD refers to.

Demeter - I do apologise that this post is not really in relation to your OP about Freeze's Thesis. I may try to find a copy as it does sound like an interesting read

[samsausage]

It's this part of your sig Demeter that I am really struggling to understand:

This includes accepting the possibility of death and acknowledging that there are no guarantees of a perfect outcome with any kind of care provider

Whilst I can see what she is saying is absolutely true, I find it hard to agree that it's an acceptable stance. How can it be reasonable to decline assessment/assistance and then say it's ok if that decision results in death or disability to the child or mother?

I've heard many advocates of breastfeeding/anti RIC/lowering c/s rates/anti vax say that part of their passion comes from what is in the best interests of the child and indeed what can be considered their birthright (not saying I disagree with any of that just using examples). What about the right to be born alive and healthy?

I fully realise this would apply to a very small percentage of freebirths, but isn't even that small percentage unacceptable?

I realise that's all a bit of a ramble and I apologise for that, please take my questions as they are honestly meant, ie my effort to understand.

[demeter]

I suggest reading the thesis Rixa wrote about these issues which is linked in the OP