We had to do a big research paper/speech+powerpoint presentation for our final. I wrote mine on the shrinking options women have in America when it comes to childbirth, namely choice of birth location and birth attendant. My speech ended up being mostly "Do not go to the hospital. Hospitals are bad. Home birth is good. *swinging pendulum in front of the class*. :lol But I was rather proud of that. I never miss an opportunity to spread the word, KWIM?

Good for you!

I am in the process of designing a syllabus for a women's studies course that examines birth culture in the United States. I would love it if you could share any excellent resources that I might add to it.

I did the same thing once in a speech class! I gave a stellar talk on breastfeeding. I KNOW I convinced the whole class that breast is best:bfs
I wish I had heard your speech six years ago:loveeyes:

Good for you!

I am in the process of designing a syllabus for a women's studies course that examines birth culture in the United States. I would love it if you could share any excellent resources that I might add to it.

I still have the gigantic pile of books I've taken out from the library. Definitely some required reads in there:

Pain, Pleasure and American Childbirth-From Twilight Sleep to the Read Method, 1914-1960.
-Margarete Sandelowski

Childbirth:Alternatives to Medical Control, edited by Shelly Romalis

Immaculate Deception: A New Look at Women and Childbirth in America
-Suzanne Arms

I found Sandelowski's book to be my personal favorite. I had NO idea what was involved in twilight sleep. At the same time there were some methods of pain relief that seem less invasive to me, like the use of nitrous oxide ( which I recently read in the Journal of Midwifery that some midwives want permission to carry NO ) yet those methods have gone out of fashion. Very interesting stuff.

Thank you! These are excellent.

I wish I had heard your speech six years ago:loveeyes:


:yeah: More college kids need to hear this before they get in relationships and get pregnant!

:yeah: More college kids need to hear this before they get in relationships and get pregnant!

Absolutely. I was talking with a friend from orchestra and he was really interested in everything, especially the emotional aspects of childbirth ( he is a psych major ). I've seemed to notice that the guys are especially interested and receptive to this information. They get left out of the whole equation, at least in my opinion, and I get the feeling they really want to learn more so they can be helpful and not feel so out of control if/when the time comes for them to become dads.

Good for you! What was the reaction of the class?

Good for you! What was the reaction of the class?

Fairly neutral. It was the end of class and people just wanted to leave, but I do know that the professor was impressed and has been interested in this. She has a 9 year old dd and had a bad hospital experience.

MamaPoot, I wish I could have seen your presentation. If more women would do this... well just thinking about the results makes me smile! It's interesting that the men were just as much, if not more receptive than the women. That is a good sign, because many times I have heard "I want a homebirth but my dh/ dp doesn't so..." you know the rest. Anyway, you've planted a seed:loveeyes:

Yay!!!! :D

I participate in a homeschool Public Speaking competition every spring, and this year, I'm doing my persuasive speech on the safety of CPM's and homebirths. Last year it was on mandatory and unethical vaxing. I'm so excited about Homebirth Awareness! :clap mamma poot! Let's get the info out there ladies! YAY!