The media and medical personnel tell of the "safety" of drugs and the "necessity" of interventions. At an in service I did at a local clinic, I accidentally stepped on toes when I implied that some cesareans are not necessary--ouch! The nurses were not impressed because it made them look bad. The doctor on the other hand agreed with me and that kept the nurses quieter (after one lambasted me because I had "terrorized" a group I was speaking to when I told them that one in four in this room would have a cesarean birth and explained to them how to avoid a cesarean...so the truth hurts?!).
Yet I am called more and more about my classes, my doula services and for VBAC information. My newsletter is making inroads in my community and doulas are welcome at the hospital. The nurses are slowly, begrudgingly changing and the newer doctors are embracing alternatives.
But most importantly, one woman at a time is learning she has alternatives. That drugs, any drugs do affect her baby. She has a choice in caregivers (especially here in Canada) and can choose wisely, if she wishes. Education is the key.
-Connie Banack, CD, CBE
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 31, July 30, 1999)
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