"Henci Goer – Fact Checking the New York Times Home Birth Debate"

A white mama and newborn pair cuddle nude. © HoboMama

There's both an overabundance of data and not enough wholly relevant data when trying to decide where to give birth. Goer has made understanding birth research her life's work.

The one critique I have of her points here is that the Dutch homebirth study she mentions in her second paragraph is less relevant in the US than I'd like it to be. Worldwide, the certification of midwives more closely resembles what we call a nurse midwife than a certified professional midwife or lay midwife. Unfortunately, NMs rarely perform homebirths in this country; they usually remain in hospitals and birth centers, while CPMs and LMs are more likely to practice in homes but their certifications are not sufficient for them to be employed by hospitals or birth centers! One could argue this is purely discrimination against alternative/holistic/feminist practices on the part of hospitals, but there is a difference in the rigor of training required for each designation.

"Henci Goer – Fact Checking the New York Times Home Birth Debate"

My first principle as a doula (and in life) is risk-aware consent: know the numbers and make the best choice for you. How can I help you with that process?

In cahoots,
~Sasha