Midwives in Egypt?

[636Jen]

I got a call from a mom who just moved to Egypt (not sure where exactly) but she wanted to birth at home. However, when she told her doctor this, he was apparently confused as to why she would want this and told her it was unsafe.  He also said that people who have their babies at home are looked down upon because that means that they are poor and can't afford a doctor.

Does this mom have a choice other than unassisted?  Are there midwives in Egypt that she can contact?  I told her that I'd call her back within a few days and would love to give her some resources. TIA!

[Liquesce]

There are lay midwives, but not ones generally educated or equipped to deal with complications, and if she doesn't speak Arabic it would be a particularly poor idea.

Her doctor was correct. Homebirthing in Egypt is still directly connected to the increases or decreases in infant and maternal mortality rates. The things that make homebirthing safe in America are largely not present. Prenatal care is generally sub-par, emergency medical services are ordinarily sub-par, and as mentioned midwifery as a trained vocation is virtually non-existent. Given the part about emergency medical services, I would also very seriously reconsider thinking of unassisted birth as a realistic option.

[636Jen]

Thank you for the response.  I will forward this information on to her.

[ShwarmaQueen]

My DH is from a neighboring N. African country and the situation is the same. We will have to deliver all of our babies here int he US since I'm a VBAC mom. Doctors in these countries will only do c-sections for moms who've had a previous c/s. Doctors and delivery in a hospital are a sign of privelege and wealth, status. Same goes for formula feeding. :(

Its very sad, it seems they are going too far with over-medicalization