Alisa's Midwife Speech

Summary

This video discusses the rising rate of C-sections in America, which now affects 32.9% of women, marking a 60% increase since 1996. It highlights the alarming infant mortality rate in the U.S. and urges women to be more informed about their birthing options. The speaker shares a personal story about her own experience with a medically induced birth that resulted in complications, stressing the importance of research, informed decisions, and exploring alternatives such as midwives, home births, or water births. The message encourages women to have a voice in their healthcare and be proactive in understanding their choices.

Takeaways

• 😀 32.9% of women in America will deliver via cesarean section (C-section), which is approximately one in three women.
• 😀 The C-section rate has increased by 60% since 1996, highlighting a significant rise in this method of delivery.
• 😀 The U.S. has the highest rate of newborn deaths within the first day of birth among industrialized countries.
• 😀 The speaker finds the high newborn mortality rate in the U.S. unacceptable and urges attention to the issue.
• 😀 There are many delivery options available for women that many may not be aware of, including midwives, home births, water births, and birth centers.
• 😀 Women are not limited to OB-GYNs for prenatal care; they can choose different professionals and birth settings that suit their preferences.
• 😀 Pain management during childbirth is flexible, with options ranging from epidurals to natural births, catering to individual preferences.
• 😀 Some hospitals allow laboring women to walk around and even eat and drink during labor, offering a more flexible experience than traditionally thought.
• 😀 Many women do not fully explore their childbirth options because they tend to simply follow the advice of their doctors without seeking alternatives or information.
• 😀 The speaker shares a personal experience where her doctor recommended an early induction due to concerns about her son’s growth, leading to a premature and difficult birth.
• 😀 Looking back, the speaker realizes she didn't have a voice in her care and urges other women to become informed and advocate for their own health and decisions.

Q & A

What percentage of women in America deliver by C-section?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 32.9% of women in America deliver by C-section, which is approximately one in three women.

How much has the C-section rate increased since 1996?

The C-section rate has risen by 60% since 1996.

What is a concerning statistic regarding babies born in the U.S.?

The U.S. has the highest rate of babies that die within the first day of birth among all industrialized countries.

What are some alternative options available for childbirth besides a C-section?

There are several alternatives to a C-section, including having a midwife, home birth, water birth, or giving birth in a birth center or hospital.

Is it necessary to always have an OB-GYN for childbirth?

No, it is not necessary to always have an OB-GYN. Women can choose midwives, home births, or birth centers depending on their preferences.

Can women choose to have a natural birth or use pain medications?

Yes, women can opt for a natural birth or choose various pain medications, including strong epidurals, depending on their preferences and the options available.

Can women walk around during labor?

Yes, some places allow women to walk around during labor, providing more comfort and flexibility.

Are women allowed to eat and drink during labor in some hospitals?

Yes, some hospitals allow women to eat and drink during labor, though policies vary.

What was the issue with the doctor's recommendation during the speaker's second pregnancy?

The speaker's doctor recommended inducing labor because the baby was thought to be growing improperly. However, this decision led to complications, as the baby was born underweight and with health issues.

What lesson did the speaker learn from their second pregnancy experience?

The speaker realized that they didn't have a voice in their care, didn't do enough research, and wasn't fully informed about their options. They now urge others to be well-informed about their healthcare choices.