[mama in the forest]

UCers ~ something I've been curious about for awhile. What do you feel is the role of the midwife (if any) in a UC forum?

I vary in my thinking - I am usually glad of the input of any woman in the forum but sometimes I feel frustrated when opinions are given from a professional role. If the midwife has birthed UC herself and is speaking from a personal opinion or personal experience, I would cherish that, but I can tell that oftentimes it is from a medical/professional slant. And as a UCer, I avoid that unless something specific calls me to it.

How does everyone else feel?

 

[Midwife Kris]

I'm not a UCer but I have attended to UC families in whatever capacities they choose. I don't think I have a "role" here, nor do I in any forum. I thought I was just a MDC member chatting right along with all the other women.

 

[rajahkat]

yeah, I don't feel that there is an assigned "role" exactly. Maybe I'm not getting your question though........if you're asking if I feel that midwives don't belong, or if I'm bothered by midwives being here, then no, I'm not bothered.

I think it's perfectly natural that midwives would be interested in UC, they do tend to be rather interested in birth, right? As long as she is supportive of UC, I don't personally care what her profession is. And as long as she's not touting herself as the end all be all spokesperson for "the way" birth is done or SHOULD be done, then I don't have any problem with her sharing what she knows or thinks about birth. I can take it or leave it just like with any other persons opinions, right?

I think we all tend to share what we have learned about pregnancy and birth on these forums, whether it is from books, personal experience, chats with our midwife or doctor friends etc. So, again, I'm happy to hear whatever anyone has to share, and I can take it or leave it. =)

Kat

 

[Marlet]

I do find it odd. In fact I was just talking about this with my sister today. You don't see meat eaters in the veggie forum, you don't see sposie users in the cding forum....seems odd that midwifes would hang out here.

That said, some of them do seem to "fit". while I'm happy to hear what everyone has to say I don't want to hear what a midwife has to say in regards to something non-medical. I have more than one post that is definitely full of the persons professional opinion.

I think, for the most part though, that it really depends on your definition of UC. For me, it doesn't make sense. For others though that have a far less strict/anal/literal

definition it could be useful.

 

[augustacherri]

Just from my perspective---it seems like most of the midwives that post here (and other birth assistants; childbirth educators, doulas, nurses, etc) have either had or are planning UCs themselves. I value their input and generally find it very encouraging/enlightening. I agree with the previous poster who said that it doesn't matter what their profession is as long as they are UC friendly.

 

[Turkish Kate]

I think it's a little odd to suggest that midwives wouldn't belong in the UC forum. Half of the time when I ask a question, it's because I know that there are midwives here who can give me a professional opinion, which I value very highly.

I am a registered nurse, with years of experience in OB and homebirth. Sometimes I do give my opinion based on my nursing background and what I've observed in those years. Does that make my opinions less valid simply because I'm a nurse? Are all professionals circumspect?

 

[Jenlaana]

I dont mind as long as there is no negative "medicalized" spin put on things. I think that negative thinking is the biggest danger in UC, since we have to trust in our bodies so much.

That being said, I want as much information as I can possibly get so I don't mind having medical advice from someone who trusts the human body to do what it was born to do. (I would rather know about infant CPR options/information than not, just in case, but that doesnt mean I want to be told that I should not birth on my own without training)

In my last UC, I had a great midwife that answered all of my questions about the technical details, did a prenatal at the end of my pregnancy (at my request...my OB kicked me out of their practice at 8 months), and just generally assured me that all looked good going in. She came again after babe was born and did a quick baby/mom assessment, weighed and measured her, checked me for tears, and brought me dinner.

I am glad that we birthed alone, but also extremely thankful for the woman that took the time to share her knowledge, without judgement. I adore her for that, and wish that more women had access to that (if they chose).

Midwives have knowledge, as long as they don't bring judgement as well. I feel that as UC'ers, we should trust our bodies and our babies, but that we should arm ourselves with as much information as possible in order to assure the best outcome and minimize the chance of ending up in the ER out of fear of the unknown.

 

[MamaRabbit]

Jenlaana, very well said.

 

[accountclosed3]

i have no problem with it, personally. i think that midwives, as much as anyone, have something to add to the conversation.

i don't think a person needs to have experienced a UC to have ideas and opinions about it. if so, i'm right out of luck. i haven't had any children yet. so, that's why i hold that opinion.

my own interests. LOL

 

[RiceMomma]

Midwives are mothers too. they can have unassissted births themselves. They can support unassisted birth. They can empower women and educate them. they can be very hands-off and respect the wishes of the mother. I don't think there is any need to banish midwives from the UC board. I think we can all learn a lot from each other.

 

[georgia]

We're a large and diverse community, and anyone who posts with respect for Unassisted Childbirth and consideration for the feelings and needs of the mamas who post in here is welcome

MDC's primary focus, in all of the forums, is for support and information.

Read more about MDC's Web Statement of Purpose

From MDC User Agreement:

Quote:

MDC serves an online community of parents, families, and parent, child and family advocates considering, learning, practicing, and advocating attachment parenting and natural family living. Our discussions concern the real world of mothering and are first and foremost, for support, information, and community. Mothering invites you to read and participate in the discussions. In doing so we ask that you agree to respect and uphold the integrity of this community. Through your direct or indirect participation here you agree to make a personal effort to maintain a comfortable and respectful atmosphere for our guests and members.

Thanks, everyone

 

[mama in the forest]

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and opinions.

Lots to think about.

I'd like to reaffirm that in no way was I suggesting that anyone should be banished from the UC forum! Not sure why that would be thought.

Nor do I not understand the user agreement of statement of purpose.

I wanted to open up a dialogue for UCers to comment and share feelings about the role (if any) of midwives and other childbirth professionals giving advice in the UC forum. And, as I stated in my initial posting:

Quote:

I vary in my thinking - I am usually glad of the input of any woman in the forum but sometimes I feel frustrated when opinions are given from a professional role. If the midwife has birthed UC herself and is speaking from a personal opinion or personal experience, I would cherish that, but I can tell that oftentimes it is from a medical/professional slant. And as a UCer, I avoid that unless something specific calls me to it.

I would love to see midwives and other childbirth professionals come here in a learning role as well. Learning about unassisted childbirth could be a good thing for their practices, as it is very different from attended birth. I think all knowlege is worth having.

I see the women here who UC or who are planning to UC as the teachers here.

 

[pamamidwife]

I wasn't going to post here at all, and mainly stay out of most topics on here, but I have learned far more from the UC community and my good friend Linda (fourlittlebirds) than I did at midwifery school. In fact, it was from my contact with Linda and this forum (and my time on cbirth) that I was challenged to UNLEARN many things.

I think this forum is a valuable asset not only for women who are not birth workers, but for all those doulas, CBEs, and midwives as well. I lurk here more than you'd think!

 

[cottonwood]

I've seen medical professionals get on message boards with the intent of saving the poor ignorant UCers from themselves -- they don't get UC, or really support it, but feel a duty to "help" anyway. That's pretty obnoxious, and I have no trouble making clear that I consider it inappropriate and unwelcome.

More often, though, I see medical professionals posting here because they support UC and have a personal interest in it. And I do appreciate relevant information, regardless of whether it's from a midwife or book or whatever.

 

[cottonwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mama in the forest I see the women here who UC or who are planning to UC as the teachers here.

Yes! This is why it's so obnoxious for people to come here trying to "teach" us. They don't have any idea of what they're dealing with and so are not able to come with the proper respect and humility and openness to learning themselves. They are only capable of perceiving UC from an obstetric* perspective and the ignorance and conceit that goes along with that is exasperating and offensive.

*obstetricus "pertaining to a midwife," from obstetrix (gen. obstetricis) "midwife," lit. "one who stands opposite (the woman giving birth)

Quote:

Originally Posted by pamamidwife I have learned far more from the UC community and my good friend Linda (fourlittlebirds) than I did at midwifery school.

 

[mama in the forest]

Quote:

I wasn't going to post here at all, and mainly stay out of most topics on here, but I have learned far more from the UC community and my good friend Linda (fourlittlebirds) than I did at midwifery school. In fact, it was from my contact with Linda and this forum (and my time on cbirth) that I was challenged to UNLEARN many things

.
That's great! I love hearing this.

I think this approach is fantastic. Unfortunately, it isn't always the case though. Midwives could learn much from women who birth without professional birth attendants.

 

[Midwife Kris]

I can't help but notice this thread came up on the heels of the "fetal kick count" topic. I hope there hasn't been anyone who thinks I am giving advice. No one's asked for it. Like I said I'm just chatting.

I studied Laura Shanley's book in depth, subscribed to c-birth, and read everything I could prior to the birth of my last baby because my greatest dream was to give birth alone in peace. My husband wasn't into it and I didn't want a reluctant helper. I had a mostly solo birth until the last few minutes when I called the midwife and my husband back into the room when I was ready to get started pushing. So, I "get it" and give it back to my clients.

I don't think anyone here, mom, midwife, cbe, doula, doctor, whatever should have their "knowledge" construed for advice. I have always subscribed to the take it or leave it format when it comes to what I take in and use in my life. Just ask my mom!

Anyway, I'm the mom of four, three born at home. Gabby is almost 12 and was 8#12oz, Mia is 9 and was 10# born at home, Jared is 8 and was 11#5oz born at home, and Chloe is 7 and was 10# born at home. Hola!

 

[2bluefish]

Well, I think I understand the question, and do not feel that a midwife should post from a professional capacity in an UC forum - about personal UC experiences yes if applicable. The reason is when I choose to UC, I am choosing to go without "professional" advice until I go looking for it. So if I want some advice from midwives - I call one or go to a midwife forum. Sometimes I want advice from the perspective of a UC family - then I would want to talk to UC families on a UC forum. It might seem like nit-picking, but I have learned by experience the power of suggestion. Having professionals around to guide me by throwing out professional advice defeats the purpose of UC. I need to think through issues from an instinctual, personal level first - and then seek professional opinion later if I still have a need for more input. But when surrounded by professional opinion I have in the past lost focus. Perhaps this is what you are getting at mama in the forrest?

 

[pamamidwife]

ah, 2bluefish, this is really thought-provoking. I think that you made a good point, that people who are looking for a professional's advice will seek it out in the proper forum. I appreciate that line of thinking.

So, with that, I will leave this forum to those planning and undertaking UC births. Which is not me.

 

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I'm a childbirth educator, a non-practicing doula, and I'd love to become a midwife someday. I'm also a UCer. I don't see any of these as mutually exclusive. I hope if someday I do become a midwife, I can offer support and reassurance to mothers who choose to give birth without a professional birth attendant, and that I can attend births in a very hands-off way for those who do want an attendant.