midwives' role in a UC forum

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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From MDC User Agreement:

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Thanks, everyone

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:

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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.

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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)

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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.

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!

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.