Unassisted childbirth legalities in WI?

[Chiromom]

I have decided to go unassisted with child #2 due this spring, but was wondering what the legalities are in the state of Wisconsin. I just need to be informed so I don't make trouble for myself by blabbing my plans etc... Does anyone have a resourse to direct me to regarding state law? Thanks!!!

[naturegirl]

Hi chiromom,

Sorry I don't have an answer for your question. I will ask my midwife this weekend if she knows where to look. Just wanted to say hi again to a fellow chiro and wish you all the best of luck with the new baby. I am due with my first in JUNE! Not going unassisted but am having a homebirth with a midwife whose husband is a chiropractor (Sherman Grad) and she worked for Dr. Riekman (always spell that wrong...) years ago.

[Chiromom]

Thanks Naturegirl!

Congrats on your first! You must have just found out huh? Have a great pregnancy! (Be very careful sideposturing, if you do that routinely because chiros notoriously whack out their uterine ligaments and have difficult labors. Protect yourself!)

[cottonwood]

From Laura Shanley's site:

"In the US, UC is legal in every state except Nebraska where it is a misdemeanor for a father to catch his baby in a non-emergency situation (it doesn't say anything about the mother catching the baby)."

Remember it's also illegal to practice medicine without a license, and they can charge anybody present at the birth with that *if* birth in considered a medical condition in that state. In Oregon, it is not, which is why it is legal for unlicensed midwives to practice.

I would call your health department, and ask for statutes having to do with birth issues.