FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2005
Contact: Kathleen Chambers Steil
505-984-6289, kathleens@mothering.com


Mothering Magazine Says:
Natural Birth is Safer and More Satisfying

Mothering has been at the forefront of the natural pregnancy and childbirth movement for almost 30 years. In the May/June 2005 issue, Mothering features two articles encouraging women to speak up for natural birth. The magazine lists compelling reasons to become a childbirth activist or join a birth network.

  • Homebirth is safe. Television falsely portrays birth as unbearably painful and hysterical. However, the truth is that birth is safe in any setting.

  • Cesarean rate is rising. The US has a cesarean rate of 27.6 percent—up 6 percent from 2002—and no one is talking about it. In fact, women are electing to have cesareans even though they are four times more dangerous than vaginal birth. International research supports a cesarean rate of 10 to 12 percent.

  • Standard birth practices can do more harm than good. Common US birth practices such as electronic fetal heart monitoring are not supported by scientific evidence. Flat-on-your-back positions for labor and delivery are unwise. Episiotomies are unnecessary and unsafe.

  • Midwives and doulas are safe. Most childbearing women do not know the real facts about the safety of hospital birth versus childbirth at home or at a birth center. Complication rates are higher for births in hospitals than for births at home or in freestanding birth centers. Studies show that the use of a doula helps reduce interventions by 40 percent and cesareans by 50 percent.

Mothering encourages readers who are interested in natural childbirth to become involved in a birth network. A growing national trend, birth networks represent a new breed of local and national advocacy for pregnant and birthing families. Some groups set their sights on policy reform and public health initiatives. Others provide local services and support.

For more information and resources, read the featured stories in the May/June 2005 Mothering Magazine.

"Take Back Natural Birth" by Karen Brody
"Networking for a Better Birth" by Shawn Spry

Mothering is a bimonthly magazine that reports on natural family living. Articles cover pregnancy, childbirth options, midwifery, breastfeeding, educational alternatives, and family health issues. Check out www.mothering.com

Representatives of the media may obtain a complimentary copy of a particular issue and/or receive a complimentary subscription to Mothering Magazine by contacting Kathleen Chambers Steil, Marketing Director, at kathleens@mothering.com or call 505-984-6289.