Wednesday 11 November 2009

Is having a home birth selfish?

This was a question posted on the popular 'Mumsnet' website and caused a lot of response. I have thought about this question a lot (insomnia gives you time to think!), and I guess my response to that would be that there are many decisions we have to make as parents that are life changing, for example:
  • is it selfish to vaccinate / not-vaccinate?
  • is it selfish to place a child in full-time nursery care / be a full-time parent?
  • is it selfish to home-educate / use state schooling?
  • is it selfish to have one child / have 4+ children?

All of the decisions we make as parents are difficult ones: all we can hope to do is make the best decision, based on the information and evidence we have, at that time. Choosing to give birth at home does involve risks, but so does choosing to give birth in hospital and contrary to popular belief; hospital does not guarantee a safe outcome.

Planning a home birth based on the evidence available, is shown to be a safe, normal choice and is nothing new; Women have birthed, and will continue to birth in the place that feels right for them. The question of being selfish is therefore an unnecessary and judgemental one to pose. We are all individuals who have to make choices - as with the examples above they may not be the same choices that other parents may make, but they are no less valuable or 'right'. Birth and parenting is not 'black & white' but is made up of many shades, and every day brings new challenges and choices. I know I don't always get it right, but when it comes to important, life influencing decisions, I try to make the best decision I can at that time!

Selfishness aside, having a baby is a unique, life-changing experience; for some women they will need all the interventions that high-tech birth can offer, for some women they will choose to give birth in their local hospital, and for some women they will choose to give birth in the comfort of their own home. All choices should be respected, all women should receive the best care they can, and all women should feel supported in the decision they have made, rather than bullied, coerced or belittled into doing something that is not right for them.

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Tuesday 20 October 2009

New birth-daze classes

Well, after teaching NCT classes for 5 years I have taken the brave step and will be running my own classes! From January 2010, 'birth-daze' antenatal workshops go live - and I am very exctied about teaching them. Aimed at couples, the courses I hope will increase women's confidence in birth and their ability to give birth as well as helping birth partners feel more confident in their role. The local newspaper are running a feature on the classes - now why is it as soon as you start talking to a reported your brain turns to mush? Am blaming it on my heavy cold I have at the moment! Anyway, check out my website for info on the classes! angela x