Your first reaction is probably, "what does this have to do with "birth issues?"
Bear with me a moment, I promise to connect the dots.
About a year ago, controversial radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh signed a contract for $400 million (over eight years). Immediately, every newspaper, magazine,, radio and television talk show asked their viewers, readers and listeners to vote on whether or not, Rush Limbaugh was worth $400 million?.
Anyone who “voted” does not get it!! Their opinion is meaningless. If you hate Rush and voted NO, or love Rush and voted YES, either way, the opinion and the vote has zero meaning and zero value.
The only vote that matters, is that of the producers of Rush Limbaugh's program which writes the check for $400 million. Also, they could not care less what your vote is.
The only factor they consider in determining whether Rush is worth $400 million is: "Will enough listeners in a preferable demographic audience listen to the show, so the advertisers will pay enough money to have their messages heard, to make the show profitable?”
In other words, the only criteria is: are there enough advertisers who will pay enough money so that not only does Rush Limbaugh get$400 million and the staff and expenses are paid, BUT the investors can also make a profit..
Any other consideration of peoples opinions does not play into this mix.
Tomorrow, I will talk about the 3P's: patients, providers and payers. Does my Rush Limbaugh discussion give you any clue which one of the 3P's. has the most clout?
Alan
Alan@birthconference.org
PS- I try to schedule posts to show up at around 8am CST. Sometimes the system glitches and I have to manually post. Sorry for the inconsistancy
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Comparing the Hybrid Birth Facility and Homebirth
Since Monday, we have been comparing birth centers to homebirth. First, the old one family house birth center. Then the larger, busy birth center compared to homebirth. Today we will discuss the future "hybrid birth facility." compared to homebirth.
As I wrote about on October 30th, the hybrid facility combines the benefits of a large birth center, with the cesarean section and pain relief capabilities. This model will be discussed in depth at the Controversies in Childbirth Conference, February 19-21 in Tampa, Florida.
Remember, there are two types of women that choose homebirth. "Those where homebirth is their first choice, and, those where homebirth is their last choice."
For those women who have researched, studied and re planned for homebirth, birthing at home is their only choices unless some complication causes them to have to go to a hospital.
However, for those women who are intimidated by the hospital, or afraid, they will have a cesarean, when they don't want one, or have heard about poor hospital experiences from their friends, or have tried everything to get the doctor or hospital to give them what they wanted and have been rebuffed, then they have no choice but to choose homebirth.
For those were homebirth is the first choice, they will continue to choose homebirth. For those were homebirth is the only choice that they have left, those women may choose this new birth facility
As I have previously stated, most women coming to our birth center had three questions: "Can I get something for the pain?"… "Is there a doctor available in the event of an emergency?"….. "What if the baby crashes, and I need an emergency cesarean?"
In a hybrid birth facility, the answers to these questions will be YES!!
If the providers running facility , do it right, then the answers to the following questions will also be "YES!"
Can I have a VBAC?
Can I have a natural birth?
Can I have a water birth?
Can I have intermittent fetal monitoring?
Can I deliver in any position I like?
Can a midwife deliver my baby?
There may be many more “YES” answers, but time runs short.
I do believe that this model may have a negative affect on those that choose homebirth as their first choice. That is,: many homebirth midwives may go to work in these hybrid birth facilities, thereby making it harder to find a midwife to deliver you at home.
Again, this model will be thoroughly discussed at the Controversies in Childbirth Conference. Please register today.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
PS- I try to schedule posts to show up at around 8am CST. Sometimes the system glitches and I have to manually post. Sorry for the inconsistancy
As I wrote about on October 30th, the hybrid facility combines the benefits of a large birth center, with the cesarean section and pain relief capabilities. This model will be discussed in depth at the Controversies in Childbirth Conference, February 19-21 in Tampa, Florida.
Remember, there are two types of women that choose homebirth. "Those where homebirth is their first choice, and, those where homebirth is their last choice."
For those women who have researched, studied and re planned for homebirth, birthing at home is their only choices unless some complication causes them to have to go to a hospital.
However, for those women who are intimidated by the hospital, or afraid, they will have a cesarean, when they don't want one, or have heard about poor hospital experiences from their friends, or have tried everything to get the doctor or hospital to give them what they wanted and have been rebuffed, then they have no choice but to choose homebirth.
For those were homebirth is the first choice, they will continue to choose homebirth. For those were homebirth is the only choice that they have left, those women may choose this new birth facility
As I have previously stated, most women coming to our birth center had three questions: "Can I get something for the pain?"… "Is there a doctor available in the event of an emergency?"….. "What if the baby crashes, and I need an emergency cesarean?"
In a hybrid birth facility, the answers to these questions will be YES!!
If the providers running facility , do it right, then the answers to the following questions will also be "YES!"
Can I have a VBAC?
Can I have a natural birth?
Can I have a water birth?
Can I have intermittent fetal monitoring?
Can I deliver in any position I like?
Can a midwife deliver my baby?
There may be many more “YES” answers, but time runs short.
I do believe that this model may have a negative affect on those that choose homebirth as their first choice. That is,: many homebirth midwives may go to work in these hybrid birth facilities, thereby making it harder to find a midwife to deliver you at home.
Again, this model will be thoroughly discussed at the Controversies in Childbirth Conference. Please register today.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
PS- I try to schedule posts to show up at around 8am CST. Sometimes the system glitches and I have to manually post. Sorry for the inconsistancy
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Birth Centers, Past, Present, and Home Birth
Yesterday, I explored the traditional one family house, versus homebirth and agreed there was not much difference.
But what about the model of birth center I have been involved in for many years? This is the larger birth center, with a volume of 25 or 40 or even 100 births a month, depending on which space we had.
Before someone comments about large birth centers can't give one-on-one care, the fact is the model that we had, gave fantastic one-on-one care. In fact, our outcomes in any of our facilities whether in the first world or the developing world exceeded the outcomes in the Netherlands, which is known for the best stats in the world. (Outcomes do not equal one-to-one care, we still gave one-to-one care).
Let's compare this type of birth center to the homebirth arguments (I'm not trying to take anything away from homebirth, just giving a different side to the debate).
Remember, the basic precepts that: “There's nothing you can do in a birth center that cannot be done at home.” This statement will continue to remain true in this blog posting, but you may not now see a difference.
Experience of Staff: Busy birth center staff is generally much more experienced. In Jamaica, our three senior midwives had over 25,000 out of hospital births between them (and only 73 episiotomies). Contrast this with a homebirth midwife, that does only three or four births per month.
Less Experienced Midwife Can Yell "Help”: When a less experienced midwife on staff ran into problem, she would call upon senior midwives, who had over. 5000 out of hospital birth experience to guide them.
No Shortage of Supplies: we were fanatical in making sure we had more than enough oxygen, IVs, sterile gloves, anti-hemorrhage drugs, vitamins, etc. This was a function of the admin staff and not the overworked midwifery staff.
Amazing Students: American and Canadian midwives would visit our facilities and could not believe our students were not experienced midwives. Keep in mind, when you are at 200-400 births in your first year as a student. you get pretty good, really quick.
Consistent Transport Relationships: unlike homebirth, where the nearest hospital changes pending on where a home is located, in a birth center, we usually go to the same hospital over and over. This can make for better communications and relationships between hospital and birth center staff.
Back-up Obstetrician: With our volume, obstetricians would find it financially viable to work with us. This helps in collaborative care or transport situations.
Ability to Integrate Other Healthcare Providers: since the birth center is in one place and quite busy, providers such as pediatricians, chiropractors as well as alternative providers would find it worth their while to keep regular appointments at the birth center or to give birth center moms top priority.
I could go on and on, but I believe, you get the point. There are many advantages to this birth center model over homebirth. This does not mean every mom will choose this birth center model. But now, there are is benefits that families can weigh when making the decision.
Most importantly, the vast majority of women are not going to choose homebirth, but they will consider this type of birth center.
Tomorrow-comparing the hybrid birth facility to these other models.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
But what about the model of birth center I have been involved in for many years? This is the larger birth center, with a volume of 25 or 40 or even 100 births a month, depending on which space we had.
Before someone comments about large birth centers can't give one-on-one care, the fact is the model that we had, gave fantastic one-on-one care. In fact, our outcomes in any of our facilities whether in the first world or the developing world exceeded the outcomes in the Netherlands, which is known for the best stats in the world. (Outcomes do not equal one-to-one care, we still gave one-to-one care).
Let's compare this type of birth center to the homebirth arguments (I'm not trying to take anything away from homebirth, just giving a different side to the debate).
Remember, the basic precepts that: “There's nothing you can do in a birth center that cannot be done at home.” This statement will continue to remain true in this blog posting, but you may not now see a difference.
Experience of Staff: Busy birth center staff is generally much more experienced. In Jamaica, our three senior midwives had over 25,000 out of hospital births between them (and only 73 episiotomies). Contrast this with a homebirth midwife, that does only three or four births per month.
Less Experienced Midwife Can Yell "Help”: When a less experienced midwife on staff ran into problem, she would call upon senior midwives, who had over. 5000 out of hospital birth experience to guide them.
No Shortage of Supplies: we were fanatical in making sure we had more than enough oxygen, IVs, sterile gloves, anti-hemorrhage drugs, vitamins, etc. This was a function of the admin staff and not the overworked midwifery staff.
Amazing Students: American and Canadian midwives would visit our facilities and could not believe our students were not experienced midwives. Keep in mind, when you are at 200-400 births in your first year as a student. you get pretty good, really quick.
Consistent Transport Relationships: unlike homebirth, where the nearest hospital changes pending on where a home is located, in a birth center, we usually go to the same hospital over and over. This can make for better communications and relationships between hospital and birth center staff.
Back-up Obstetrician: With our volume, obstetricians would find it financially viable to work with us. This helps in collaborative care or transport situations.
Ability to Integrate Other Healthcare Providers: since the birth center is in one place and quite busy, providers such as pediatricians, chiropractors as well as alternative providers would find it worth their while to keep regular appointments at the birth center or to give birth center moms top priority.
I could go on and on, but I believe, you get the point. There are many advantages to this birth center model over homebirth. This does not mean every mom will choose this birth center model. But now, there are is benefits that families can weigh when making the decision.
Most importantly, the vast majority of women are not going to choose homebirth, but they will consider this type of birth center.
Tomorrow-comparing the hybrid birth facility to these other models.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
Monday, November 16, 2009
Birth Centers Versus Homebirth
Over the next few days I will look at birth centers vs. home birth.
Last week, Rixa Freeze asked her readers to comment on her blog about freestanding birth centers as opposed to homebirth. She referenced an article she wrote in 2007 entitled "Worst of Both Worlds."
I would like to thank Rixa for talking about the hybrid birth facility and also mention that Dr. Stuart Fischbein is thinking along the same lines.
In some respects, asking her blog readers their opinion of birth center versus homebirth may not be fair. The reason is that almost all U.S. birth centers were designed to look like home birth, therefore in most instances, there is no major difference between freestanding birth centers and home birth, other than women at homebirth are more comfortable in their own home’s.
It is my personal belief, and I have spoken on it on many occasions, that the U.S. birth center model that most birth centers follow is not a viable, business model. Granted, the outcomes are generally excellent, however, most of these birth centers have been struggling financially.
Today's birth center’s still follows the model that was developed in the mid 1970’s: “Find a one family house, make one or two birth rooms, an exam room , an office and a classroom and you now have a birth center."
With the above model, it's easy to see Rixa’s point of worst of both worlds. In fact, ACOG’s change in its statement accepting birth center's while stating that out of hospital birth is unsafe, would be laughable, since there's almost nothing you can do in a a birth center that cannot be done at a homebirth. This statement, however, is easier to defend, since they limited their acceptance of birth centers to those that are accredited. This does not mean that I believe this statement is right, it just means they can offer a defense. (This does not insinuate that the defense is a good one).
Tomorrow- Birth Centers of the Past VS Birth Centers of the Present
Alan
alan@birthconference.org
Last week, Rixa Freeze asked her readers to comment on her blog about freestanding birth centers as opposed to homebirth. She referenced an article she wrote in 2007 entitled "Worst of Both Worlds."
I would like to thank Rixa for talking about the hybrid birth facility and also mention that Dr. Stuart Fischbein is thinking along the same lines.
In some respects, asking her blog readers their opinion of birth center versus homebirth may not be fair. The reason is that almost all U.S. birth centers were designed to look like home birth, therefore in most instances, there is no major difference between freestanding birth centers and home birth, other than women at homebirth are more comfortable in their own home’s.
It is my personal belief, and I have spoken on it on many occasions, that the U.S. birth center model that most birth centers follow is not a viable, business model. Granted, the outcomes are generally excellent, however, most of these birth centers have been struggling financially.
Today's birth center’s still follows the model that was developed in the mid 1970’s: “Find a one family house, make one or two birth rooms, an exam room , an office and a classroom and you now have a birth center."
With the above model, it's easy to see Rixa’s point of worst of both worlds. In fact, ACOG’s change in its statement accepting birth center's while stating that out of hospital birth is unsafe, would be laughable, since there's almost nothing you can do in a a birth center that cannot be done at a homebirth. This statement, however, is easier to defend, since they limited their acceptance of birth centers to those that are accredited. This does not mean that I believe this statement is right, it just means they can offer a defense. (This does not insinuate that the defense is a good one).
Tomorrow- Birth Centers of the Past VS Birth Centers of the Present
Alan
alan@birthconference.org
Friday, November 13, 2009
Failed Attempt, Fail to Transport, Failed Defense, and Too Much Pain
Continuing with new sessions that have been announced for the Controversies in Childbirth Conference in sunny Tampa, Florida February 19 to 21st 2010.
Botched Out Of Hospital Birth or Appropriate Transport.?.. Building Working Relationships
As more women choose out of hospital births, mathematically hospitals and on-call obstetricians will see more transports. A transport is the need to take a woman in labor from her out of hospital setting:. (homebirth or birth center) into a hospital environment for whatever reason.
In the past, labor transports have gotten quite ugly with midwives and OB/hospital personnel trading charges of incompetence, negligence, attempted murder, etc.
Now, Melissa (Missy) Cheyney CPM PhD will chair a panel consisting of both midwives that initiate transport, and hospital personnel that receive the transport.
This session will examine how the distrust between the midwife and hospitals developed and strengthened over time. How midwives and hospital personnel have sat down and come together to reduce the animosity when a transport occurs. Devise ways of better care for the patient, and even develop cordial relationships and understandings of the roles that each professional plays as venue and responsibility for birth, changes in a transport.
Is Natural Birth Antithetical to the Practice of Nursing?
Most women who become nurses (and also those men) do so out of desire to help sick people get better. There is a kindness and compassion associated with the image of nursing. Nurses are healers and patient advocates.
Many patients who have been admitted to a hospital mention how often nurses coming in the room ask, "how is the pain.?" In fact a major component of the practice of nursing is pain management. Most nurses feel fulfilled when they can give some medication to relieve the pain, thus making the patient "feel better." Generally, the greater the pain, the more the nurse wants to help.
So how do nurses feel when women choose unmedicated natural birth? Do they have difficulty listening to the pain increase? Does the yelling as contractions get stronger emotionally bother the nurse? Is not giving the patient anything for the pain, contrary to the nurses beliefs?
Case Study: Lessons Learned from a Failed Attempt to Open a Natural Birth Center
Robyn Thompson, MPH, MSW, LMSW, formed an organization in San Antonio Texas to try to open a natural birth center. A coalition representing midwives, physicians, consumers, legal interests, business interests, and public health advocates was brought together to try to make this dream a reality.
This birth center never got off the ground. At the conference, Robin will explore the reasons it did not happen, lessons learned, and what changes need to be made to make the concept viable.
Protecting Yourself From Investigations By Your Regulatory Board
Attorney Max Price is back, and will give amazing insight into litigating professional board, licensure and discipline actions. How you interact with the board from the time of receiving your “Initial Notice” can have a significant effect on the outcome and cost of your case.
Do you respond to their initial request for information, do you ignore it, or do you hire an attorney? What happens when you receive a subpoena for your documents? Do you comply, and if you do, have you hurt the case? If you don't turn over the documents, can you lose your license?
Does signing a plea agreement make you more likely to be investigated in the future as opposed to someone who fights tooth and nail every time they're wrongfully accused by the licensing board?
I have first-hand experience with Max, and can tell you that if when you receive a “Letter of Investigation,” IMMEDIATELY call Max Price, no matter what state you're in.
Have a great weekend and don't forget to register today Controversies in Childbirth Conference.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
Next week, more discussion about the seminars on the hybrid birth facility, and a look at,: birth centers versus homebirth.
Botched Out Of Hospital Birth or Appropriate Transport.?.. Building Working Relationships
As more women choose out of hospital births, mathematically hospitals and on-call obstetricians will see more transports. A transport is the need to take a woman in labor from her out of hospital setting:. (homebirth or birth center) into a hospital environment for whatever reason.
In the past, labor transports have gotten quite ugly with midwives and OB/hospital personnel trading charges of incompetence, negligence, attempted murder, etc.
Now, Melissa (Missy) Cheyney CPM PhD will chair a panel consisting of both midwives that initiate transport, and hospital personnel that receive the transport.
This session will examine how the distrust between the midwife and hospitals developed and strengthened over time. How midwives and hospital personnel have sat down and come together to reduce the animosity when a transport occurs. Devise ways of better care for the patient, and even develop cordial relationships and understandings of the roles that each professional plays as venue and responsibility for birth, changes in a transport.
Is Natural Birth Antithetical to the Practice of Nursing?
Most women who become nurses (and also those men) do so out of desire to help sick people get better. There is a kindness and compassion associated with the image of nursing. Nurses are healers and patient advocates.
Many patients who have been admitted to a hospital mention how often nurses coming in the room ask, "how is the pain.?" In fact a major component of the practice of nursing is pain management. Most nurses feel fulfilled when they can give some medication to relieve the pain, thus making the patient "feel better." Generally, the greater the pain, the more the nurse wants to help.
So how do nurses feel when women choose unmedicated natural birth? Do they have difficulty listening to the pain increase? Does the yelling as contractions get stronger emotionally bother the nurse? Is not giving the patient anything for the pain, contrary to the nurses beliefs?
Case Study: Lessons Learned from a Failed Attempt to Open a Natural Birth Center
Robyn Thompson, MPH, MSW, LMSW, formed an organization in San Antonio Texas to try to open a natural birth center. A coalition representing midwives, physicians, consumers, legal interests, business interests, and public health advocates was brought together to try to make this dream a reality.
This birth center never got off the ground. At the conference, Robin will explore the reasons it did not happen, lessons learned, and what changes need to be made to make the concept viable.
Protecting Yourself From Investigations By Your Regulatory Board
Attorney Max Price is back, and will give amazing insight into litigating professional board, licensure and discipline actions. How you interact with the board from the time of receiving your “Initial Notice” can have a significant effect on the outcome and cost of your case.
Do you respond to their initial request for information, do you ignore it, or do you hire an attorney? What happens when you receive a subpoena for your documents? Do you comply, and if you do, have you hurt the case? If you don't turn over the documents, can you lose your license?
Does signing a plea agreement make you more likely to be investigated in the future as opposed to someone who fights tooth and nail every time they're wrongfully accused by the licensing board?
I have first-hand experience with Max, and can tell you that if when you receive a “Letter of Investigation,” IMMEDIATELY call Max Price, no matter what state you're in.
Have a great weekend and don't forget to register today Controversies in Childbirth Conference.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
Next week, more discussion about the seminars on the hybrid birth facility, and a look at,: birth centers versus homebirth.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Birth Centers, Birth Plans, Doulas and the Internet
Today we'll discuss some more seminars that have been added to the Controversies in Childbirth Conference.
What Birthing Couples Are Saying About Their….OBs, Midwives, Doulas & Hospitals, On the Internet.
Do you think that anyone under age 40 makes a hotel reservation without checking the reviews on websitea like TripAdvisor? What about a cruise? Would you go on a cruise without reading the reviews? Would you buy a car today withoutt reading reviews and ratings?
The Internet can be a friend or a foe to someone's business. Since you're reading this on my blog, you already know this. What do you think patients/clients and potential patients/clients of birth care providers are saying about the obstetrician, midwife, doula or the hospital they plan on having their baby at?
Uber-geek and birth activists, Laureen Hudson is going to show us what patients / clients are saying about their birth providers. We will also look at whether or not the providers or facilities really care. Laureen will also explore if there is a correlation between what appears on the Internet, and a loss of business in the practice.
Why Obstetricians Hate Birth Plans?
A pregnant woman goes online, communicating with her friends and new online friends to discuss the perfect birth plan. More planning may have gone into the birth plan then her wedding. She proudly shows it on her next visit to her obstetrician, whose reaction may range from slight annoyance to pointing to the sign in the office that says: "If you have a birth plan, we invite you to find another doctor."
Why do OBs feel the way they do about birth plans? Is it extra work? Unrealistic expectations? Barriers to effective communication? Lack of trust by the patient? This panel will explore these questions from both the OB and consumer perspective.
Why Hospital Staff Are Confused by the Role of the Doula
If you ask a room full of: obstetricians, midwives, nurses, neonatologists, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, and anyone else in the hospital, “What is the role of a Doula.?’ You may receive as many answers as there are people in the room.
Physician reactions to doulas run the gamut from recommending them to pregnant women, all the way to firing a patient that hires a doula. Even midwives who generally appear supportive are split on the issue. Some love labor Doulas, while others feel that the Doula infringes on the care the midwife gives.
Some Doulas sell their services as cesarean section insurance , while others will not attend a mother, who plans a hospital birth.
Doula trainers Rae Davies and Candy Mueller will lead a panel that will explore doula confusion and hopefully provide solutions to end this confusion.
Can Chiropractors Safely Turn Breeches, Or Are They Endangering Babies?
Since a breech presentation means an almost automatic cesarean section, many women are searching for methods of turning the breech. This can range from slant boards, to playing loud music with the speakers on the belly, to external version.
Chiropractors have devised a method of allowing the breech to turn, known as "The Webster Technique," a chiropractic technique designed to relieve the causes of intrauterine constraint, thus causing the baby to turn.
So why do obstetricians NOT routinely refer women with breech presentations to chiropractors? This session will not only explore and analyze the Webster technique, but will also delve into the distrust between chiropractors and physicians.
Dr. Alexa Fagan is a Tampa area chiropractor and member of The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) who has a successful record of adjusting women, so the baby can turn from breech to vertex. An obstetrician will round out the panel, allowing for a lively discussion.
For more information go to the conference website http://www.birthconference.org/
Tune in tomorrow for more seminar announcements.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
What Birthing Couples Are Saying About Their….OBs, Midwives, Doulas & Hospitals, On the Internet.
Do you think that anyone under age 40 makes a hotel reservation without checking the reviews on websitea like TripAdvisor? What about a cruise? Would you go on a cruise without reading the reviews? Would you buy a car today withoutt reading reviews and ratings?
The Internet can be a friend or a foe to someone's business. Since you're reading this on my blog, you already know this. What do you think patients/clients and potential patients/clients of birth care providers are saying about the obstetrician, midwife, doula or the hospital they plan on having their baby at?
Uber-geek and birth activists, Laureen Hudson is going to show us what patients / clients are saying about their birth providers. We will also look at whether or not the providers or facilities really care. Laureen will also explore if there is a correlation between what appears on the Internet, and a loss of business in the practice.
Why Obstetricians Hate Birth Plans?
A pregnant woman goes online, communicating with her friends and new online friends to discuss the perfect birth plan. More planning may have gone into the birth plan then her wedding. She proudly shows it on her next visit to her obstetrician, whose reaction may range from slight annoyance to pointing to the sign in the office that says: "If you have a birth plan, we invite you to find another doctor."
Why do OBs feel the way they do about birth plans? Is it extra work? Unrealistic expectations? Barriers to effective communication? Lack of trust by the patient? This panel will explore these questions from both the OB and consumer perspective.
Why Hospital Staff Are Confused by the Role of the Doula
If you ask a room full of: obstetricians, midwives, nurses, neonatologists, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, and anyone else in the hospital, “What is the role of a Doula.?’ You may receive as many answers as there are people in the room.
Physician reactions to doulas run the gamut from recommending them to pregnant women, all the way to firing a patient that hires a doula. Even midwives who generally appear supportive are split on the issue. Some love labor Doulas, while others feel that the Doula infringes on the care the midwife gives.
Some Doulas sell their services as cesarean section insurance , while others will not attend a mother, who plans a hospital birth.
Doula trainers Rae Davies and Candy Mueller will lead a panel that will explore doula confusion and hopefully provide solutions to end this confusion.
Can Chiropractors Safely Turn Breeches, Or Are They Endangering Babies?
Since a breech presentation means an almost automatic cesarean section, many women are searching for methods of turning the breech. This can range from slant boards, to playing loud music with the speakers on the belly, to external version.
Chiropractors have devised a method of allowing the breech to turn, known as "The Webster Technique," a chiropractic technique designed to relieve the causes of intrauterine constraint, thus causing the baby to turn.
So why do obstetricians NOT routinely refer women with breech presentations to chiropractors? This session will not only explore and analyze the Webster technique, but will also delve into the distrust between chiropractors and physicians.
Dr. Alexa Fagan is a Tampa area chiropractor and member of The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) who has a successful record of adjusting women, so the baby can turn from breech to vertex. An obstetrician will round out the panel, allowing for a lively discussion.
For more information go to the conference website http://www.birthconference.org/
Tune in tomorrow for more seminar announcements.
Alan.
Alan@birthconference.org
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
From VBAC to NHS to Health Freedom Acts
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, World War I ended.
Today is Veterans Day! Whether it's a World War II Vet, Korean Vet, Vietnam Vet, Gulf War I, or returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, remember to thank them for their service to this great country.
Alan
Over a dozen amazing seminars and speakers have been announced for the 2010. Controversies in Childbirth Conference, February 19th through 21st in Tampa, Florida.
Over the next few days. I'll be blogging about the seminars, but you can go to the website today at: www.birthconference.org
Using Health Freedom Acts to Give Pregnant Patients What They Want
Are you tired of all the hand wringing and finger-pointing that occurs when a pregnant woman asks her, midwife, doctor or hospital for something and they say “NO” such as: no fetal monitor, vaginal breech delivery, or VBAC? Then they blame each other for the prohibition.
A few states have enacted, "Health Freedom Acts" that allows healthcare providers. under certain circumstances, to go against the conventional wisdom of their college or regulatory boards.
Florida attorney Max R. Price, was instrumental in passing and defending the law in the State of Florida. Obstetricians, midwives, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals have an amazing weapon at their disposal to help their clients/patients, yet many do not know that the law exists or that it can be easily lobbied for in those states that have not yet and. enacted As legislation.
Max will explain the scope and limits of these laws, and who your allies would be in trying to bring these laws to your state.
The VBAC Issue From the Obstetricians’ Point of View
ICAN and other birth advocates can give a litany of stories and cases where women have been traumatized, lied to, misled, misinformed, and perhaps even assaulted, in their effort NOT to have a repeat cesarean section.
Kim J. Cox, PhD, CNM, is an Assistant Professor in the Nurse-Midwifery program at the University of Florida College of Nursing.
Kim has interviewed and compiled a study of how obstetricians and midwives view of the VBAC issue, who they blame for it, and how they would like to deal with it. This will be an amazing seminar, because it brings the collective voices of the obstetricians to the table.
Are Birth Care Professionals Responsible for Women Choosing Unassisted Homebirth?
What can almost every obstetrician, nurse midwife, homebirth midwife, doula, family physician or childbirth educators agree on? They don't recommend unassisted homebirth.
Yet, planned unassisted homebirth is on the rise in North America. Why is this? Are women so afraid of their provider or their facility, that they will engage in a practice that is considered unsafe by almost every medical professional?
Rixa Freeze , Ph.D. has studied this phenomena and will explore in detail, including: What experiences drive women to consider this option? How are midwives, doctors, nurses, and hospitals implicated in women's choice to avoid birth attendants altogether? Can we or should we outlaw unassisted birth, or prosecute the parents for child abuse or endangerment?
As you can see, this will be a truly controversial subject.
Childbirth Practices: Lessons From Two UK Hospitals
During the health care reform debate, we heard much about the English health care system, where, not only is there full universal coverage, but there is also only one employer, the: "National Health Service." Almost all physicians and nurses and hospitals work for the NHS.
Holly Powell Kennedy, CNM, PhD, FACNM, FAAN is the chair of the Midwifery program at Yale University. She has studied two maternity care hospitals in England that advocates evidence-based care of childbearing women. She will present the results of her study, specifically looking to see if what worked in England can be imported to the United States.
Our speaker: Holly Powell Kennedy is also the President-elect of the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Tomorrow we will discuss some of the more seminars that have been added. Please go to our website at: http://www.birthconference.org/ to view all the seminars
Alan
alan@birthconference.org
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