"The Business of Being Born"

We have some great friends that are expecting soon, so I wanted to take a moment to share this amazing documentary with everyone. I really urge everyone to see this film, although, let me warn you- it's graphic. Whether this form of childbirth is "right" for you or not, at least you know your options. Lets face it, your doctor's NOT going to give them to you.

I'm amazed how advanced our society thinks it is in childbirth (or health care in general) when in all actuality... most of us are completely uneducated, if not ignorant.

Fact: The US has the 2nd highest infant mortality rate among industrialized nations.
Fact: The US has the HIGHEST maternal mortality rate among industrialized nations.
Fact: 1 in every 3 American women will deliver via Cesarean Section, whether planned or not.
Fact: 70% of women in Europe and other industrialized countries, like Japan use midwives to deliver thier children. The US? Less than 8%!

Bet you didn't know those statistics, did you?

I know several of you are thinking "You don't know what you're talking about! You don't even have kids". I have two words for you... RESEARCH and FAITH. I may not have children yet, but I will someday and I want to be aware of every option, every fact, and every false assumption. I want to know the facts and be prepared so when the time comes, I'm ready. I want to be at peace with what I will be putting my child as well as myself through. It's like they teach us while we are in young mens and womens... know your values and beliefs now so when they are tested there's no stress, panic, pressure or confusion on what you know is true and right. The choice will be easy.

I know it sounds strange, but this film gave me a sudden rush of gratitude. I was grateful for the First Ammendment. That the producer of this film was able to speak out and share this information with those that are seeking knowledge and desire to make an educated (and hopefully prayerful) decision about how to bring their child into this world. That they didn't back down, even though they knew their message would not be widely accepted by their audience. I'm also grateful for the education this film gives women on the childbirth process. It is a topic that is rarely spoken of. The process of childbirth is a mystery to women like myself, who have not experienced it; and that is a shame. It is such a miraculous and life changing event, however it has the potential to become traumatic when unwanted intervention of drugs, vacuums, forceps, and even surgery are brought into play. Women; let me clarify; women in the US who decide NOT to take the "hospital" and "drug" route for childbirth are greatly in the minority. In fact less than 1% of US women deliver their children at home. I'm not saying this is the right option, but the facts are. The percentage of US women using mid wives and giving birth outside of hospitals (home, birthing center, etc), verses women from other industrialized nations is dramatically low. Yet, our mortality rates are higher... Coincidence? Do your homework.

I'm so thankful that Brent and I are exposed to and teamed up with other passionate doctors who care and want to make a difference. We are surrounded by people that are fighting to save the lives of all those suffering from dis-ease in our communities, our country, and eventually the world. People that aren't afraid to be "different" and take a stand for what is right and true, no matter what opposes them. I feel blessed that I AM aware of our countries health crisis and get to participate in reshaping it. I am so eager to share this information with all of our patients and hopefully spread a fire about what health REALLY is and what we ALL can do to achieve it.