Marion Toepke McLean, CNM, attended her first birth as primary midwife in August 1971. She received her nursing degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1966 and her midwifery and family nurse practitioner degree from Frontier Nursing Service in 1974. From 1976 through 2001 she did home, clinic and hospital births, while also working as a family nurse practitioner. In 1980 she taught a year-long program for local midwives, returning to Frontier Nursing Service to teach during the summer. She had a homebirth practice until 1985, when she went to work at the Nurse-Midwifery Birthing Service, a freestanding birth center. In June 2000 she completed a BA in International Studies at the University of Oregon, with concentrated studies on Mexico. Since 2002 she has worked in a reproductive health clinic and attended an occasional homebirth. She lives in Eugene, Oregon, and is a contributing editor to Midwifery Today.
It was a normal birth in a large room in a small house in a city neighborhood. The modern hospital where I had midwifery privileges was just blocks away. I could transfer care easily and quickly if needed.
Hemorrhage is the number one cause of maternal death worldwide, and in the US as well. In most developed countries it is a less frequent cause. A study of the differences between the US and other developed countries might yield clues to prevention of unnecessary maternal deaths.
Read more…. Hemorrhage in Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum
In childbirth, the needs of the one giving birth and the baby—who is transitioning from unborn to born—are primary. The events of the birthing day will affect them for their whole lives. Without their presence, no birth will take place.
“Physiologic” third stage of labor means that this stage happens on its own—with no interference or treatment whatever—and is within the bounds of normal functioning. Read more…. Physiologic Third Stage
Midwives serve women in a variety of ways. Midwife Marion McLean shares how she works with women in their first-time health exams.
Read more…. Marion’s Message: The First-time Women’s Health Exam
Photo by Apio Rebecca
The death of childbearing women is a challenge to health workers worldwide. Why are pregnant and postpartum women so vulnerable to death?
Photo by Cassidy Rowell
Learn about the hows and whys of this technique to stop postpartum hemorrhage.
Read more…. Bimanual Compression of the Uterus: Its Place in Midwifery Practice
Photo by Annie Spratt
Read about the essentials of safe motherhood and how they will be the basis for a program in Uganda.
Photo by Josef Juchem
Childbirth. Straightforward, simple; complex, and variable. Essentially stated, it is the mammalian way to continue life down through the generations.
Years ago the “Four Pillars of Safe Motherhood” were developed. They are antenatal care, birth in a clean safe place with skilled attendant, access to emergency obstetrical care, and family planning.
Photo by Cristian Newman
Complications of childbirth are frightening for moms-to-be—yet they exist. Luckily, in our present day and age, there are effective treatments for most. Learning to deal with complications—to bring moms and babies through safely—is an important part of a midwife’s learning. Read more…. Complications of Childbirth
Photo by Andressa Voltolini
Marion’s Message Read more…. Birth and the Fetus Ejection Reflex
Labor can be long or short—it’s all normal. Organizations that make policy regarding birth are finally beginning to come to terms with that fact.
