Photo by Hu Chen
The maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the US are disgraceful. Diana Paul discusses some of the factors that have led to this current situation and how we could learn from the British on improving it.
Photo by Michal Bar Haim
We have a problem! Labor induction in the United States has more than tripled since 1990.
A first-time mom told me on social media, “It wasn’t even a discussion, it was: ‘this is what’s happening.’ It’s really hard to disagree with doctors or people in positions of authority—in particular when you’re in such a vulnerable position.” Read more…. Calling All Midwives….
If all midwives and birth attendants had known about using the placenta, membrane, or cord for hemorrhage control, many lives could have been saved. If all midwives learned about this and were willing to use it, so many more would be saved. Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death globally. Think of all the maternal deaths that could be and could have been avoided. These resources are always present at a birth. Membranes and cord can be used if the placenta is not born yet. Gail Hart taught me that. She said that the membranes and cord have even more oxytocin and other useful hormones than even the placenta. Read more…. Placenta, Membranes, and Cord to Stop Bleeding
Tricks of the Trade – Issue 133
Photo by Jadell Films
Wisdom of the Midwives – Conversations from Facebook Issue 132
Illustration by Gerd Altmann
Editor Jan Tritten shares thoughts about the uphill battle to respect birth, women, and babies and what keeps her moving forward in this quest. Read more…. For the One, For the Many
Photo by Regina Willette
A practical article on the basics for a homebirth midwife’s birth bag.
Read more…. The Portable Office: A Peek into a Midwife’s Homebirth Bag
Paige Driscoll—antacruzbirthphotographer.com
Sometimes it is easier to trust the innate intelligence in natural processes when science discovers or confirms through scientific studies the validity of something that is believed to be true, like upright positioning for birth, or something previously unknown, like the benefits of the human microbiota. Most recent is a growing respect of the microbiota at birth and its effect on long-term health.
It’s always important to be reminded of the basics, such as using the placenta to stop a hemorrhage. Hollie S. Moyer does a fine job of doing just that in this article. Read more…. The Power of Placenta for Hemorrhage Control
Midwifery Today’s editor-in-chief celebrates MT’s 30-year anniversary by honoring 13 of the magazine’s most loyal contributors and gentle birth advocates. Read more…. 30 Years and Still Going Strong
Leilani Rogers—photosbylei.com
This is a powerful and emotional article against Cytotec and its use in pregnant women written by one of the most inspiring women in natural childbirth, Ina May Gaskin. Read more…. Cytotec and the FDA
Midwifery Today mother Jan Tritten shares her thoughts on the third stage and how it isn’t such a good idea for this part of birth to be routinely managed. Read more…. Routine Active Management of the Third Stage
