Hands-On Midwifery Versus Instictive Birth:

Lately there has been much discussion in my area regarding hands-on Midwifery versus hands-off Midwifery. There has been accusations that a hands-off Midwife is more dangerous than even a scheduled cesarean. However, this seems to be a diversion tactic amongst the Midwives here who believe that it is okay to control a woman's birth, and not let her know that it is the intention to do so, until the woman is at her most vulnerable.

I am a hands-off Midwife, and proud of it. I do not do unnecessary vaginal exams (and yes - an exam upon arrival and an exam when mom says she feels like pushing *ARE* unnecessary!), I won't induce labor at home unless there is a reason that would necessitate a hospital induction if labor didn't begin in x amount of time, I don't tell women how/where/with whom they can birth, and I don't tell women how/when to start pushing. Women are quite intelligent, believe it or not. Dr. Michel Odent and Dr. Sarah Buckley have written extensively about instinctual birth being the most optimal for women. I firmly believe that labor and birth happen in the best way possible when a woman is not directed, controlled, or interrupted.

The confusion surrounding this also lies in the same accusation that hands-off Midwifery is dangerous. It is assumed that a hands-off Midwife is hands-off no matter what. That apparently we hands-off Midwives (aka, "Instinctual Birth" supporters) would sit in the corner and twiddle our thumbs if a labor were abnormal, or if complications should arise with mom or baby. Quite the contrary. We are very well trained in handling complications - but the catch is that by not interfering with a woman in labor, we also do not *cause* complications to arise.

This is a blog post by The Mandala Mom that fits this so appropriately, from the standpoint of the consumer. From the standpoint of a woman and mother who has had both a hands-on Midwife, and then intuitive births. From the standpoint of a woman who has seen first hand how a hands-off Midwife supports a woman during labor and birth.

Enjoy!

Bulls in the China Shop: Hands-On Midwifery Versus Instinctive Birth

FREE Waterbirth Information Night

*~*Join us for a FREE Waterbirth Information Night on
Saturday, April 30th from 5-9pm in St. George!*~*




Have you ever wondered about the science behind giving birth in water? Have you heard myths about baby not being able to breathe, or gravity not helping in water?
Come with any and all questions!

Free food, giveaways, information packets and more ...

Visit the Events page for more information. Hope to see you there!

Find additional information and RSVP on our Facebook Event Page

Date: Saturday, April 30th
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
Location: Sage Hills Yoga Studio in St. George
Cost: FREE

Prenatal Yoga in Southern Utah

Mandala Mom ~MotherBaby Services~ is offering prenatal yoga classes two times a week at Sage Hills. First class is free!

From the Facebook page, MandalaMom ~MotherBaby Services~:

Prenatal yoga is offered two times per week at Sage Hills: Tuesday at 6 pm and Saturday at 10:45 am. Please arrive a few minutes early to your first class, wear comfortable clothes, and bring a bottle of water and a yoga mat. Mats are also available for rent for $1/class. Your introductory prenatal class is free.

Free in Southern Utah - Midwife Open House and Business of Being Born Screening

Meet the Midwife Open House and Film Screening!

Bring your girlfriends, neighbors, pregnant ( or hoping to be ) friends! Hope to see you there!

Christine Fiscer - Traditional Midwife
www.joyfulbirthservices.com
(Please excuse the kinks - still working some out )

I am a new Midwife to Utah, originally from California. I will be hosting an open house on Saturday, August 8th at 6pm. Business of Being Born showing at 7:30pm.


*Watch Ricki Lake's birth documentary - The Business of Being Born
*Free initial consultations
*Q&A about Home Birth, Waterbirth, VBAC, Twins
*Raffle for a handmade Mei Tai Baby Carrier

I am located in Hurricane, just 2 1/2 miles from I15 on State Route 9. Email JoyfulBirthServices@gmail.com, or call 435-216-5411 for additional information and directions. **Please RSVP if you plan on attending.**