Born in the USA

douladot · 12-12-2006, 05:52 AM

Hi Ladies -- I got my copy of Marsden Wagner's book yesterday from Amazon! I have only read the 1st chapter and I am hooked! It so thrills me that someone in the "medical community " is coming out and basically blowing the whistle on the lack of care, abuse, neglect that is going on in the obstetrical world today! I think this is a must have book for those of us who want to change the "status quo" in the pregnancy and childbirth field! Also, at the beginning of every chapter he has these fabulous quotes from people that really make you say "Yeah, that's it"! I have included one from chapter 1 in my siggy down below! I probably won't be posting as much in the near future, as all of my spare time I will want to be reading this book ---so see you ladies when I am finished with it! LOL, not really, but I will have my nose buried in it!!

earthgirl · 12-12-2006, 09:14 AM

I agree Dot, this is a wonderful book (Thanks to Tamara for recommending it to me)! It is a definite must read for anyone who cares about women and children- which should be EVERYONE! I have two chapters to go, I should finish by tonight

Then I'll probably get the rest of his books... that's what happened when I read one of Michel Odent's books, I had to read the rest of them LOL

jesscardona · 12-12-2006, 09:48 AM

Great.. it seems I'm going to have to get this book..

ctowndoula · 12-12-2006, 03:02 PM

One of the doulas here in town is thinking of sending a copy to all the L & D RNs in town.

I do think it is good, I just wish more pregnant women would read it.
Those that have read it; what do you think about the suggestions he has for change? Do you think it is realistic? What can we do to help make baby-catching less appealing to OBs (one of his suggestions)?

Hmm, wonder if Marsden will give me a referral gift?

CatieDoula · 12-12-2006, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctowndoula

One of the doulas here in town is thinking of sending a copy to all the L & D RNs in town.

I fess up, it was me that said this to Tamara!

I really would send a box full of them (annonomysly, of course!)...if only I had a bit more $$$$.

earthgirl · 12-21-2006, 11:10 PM

So I thought my eyes were opened when I read Suzanne Arms Immaculate Deception, but

, this book by a doctor himself solidified my mistrust of ob-gyns. I am aware of politics associated with midwifery, but the task of changing the system is a bit overwhelming at the moment. Attitude shifts in American society are usually a slow process. This really pushes me to do CBE sooner rather than later. I want to "unteach" so to speak mothers-to be. I'm thinking about doing something at my local library, and donating better books about birth, this being one of them. I think the author has a lot of good ideas, but women must unite for the fight. I find it difficult to get healthy low-risk pregnant Mom's to go to a MW, they need to get more "mainstream". Insurance companies have to wake up. To be honest, I think the change will first happen there- insurance companies and the bottom line. This field needs to become less attractive to doctors choosing it as a specialty.
One line from the book that made me chuckle: Doulas must walk a fine line between supporting and protecting a woman giving birth and offending hospital staff. Good luck.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.-Margret Mead
So where do you think the change begins? women, ins, gov't?

douladot · 12-22-2006, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthgirl

So I thought my eyes were opened when I read Suzanne Arms Immaculate Deception, but

, this book by a doctor himself solidified my mistrust of ob-gyns. I am aware of politics associated with midwifery, but the task of changing the system is a bit overwhelming at the moment. Attitude shifts in American society are usually a slow process. This really pushes me to do CBE sooner rather than later. I want to "unteach" so to speak mothers-to be. I'm thinking about doing something at my local library, and donating better books about birth, this being one of them. I think the author has a lot of good ideas, but women must unite for the fight. I find it difficult to get healthy low-risk pregnant Mom's to go to a MW, they need to get more "mainstream". Insurance companies have to wake up. To be honest, I think the change will first happen there- insurance companies and the bottom line. This field needs to become less attractive to doctors choosing it as a specialty.
One line from the book that made me chuckle: Doulas must walk a fine line between supporting and protecting a woman giving birth and offending hospital staff. Good luck.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.-Margret Mead
So where do you think the change begins? women, ins, gov't?

Stacie -- I will first say that I haven't quite finished the book yet, but I have all of your same feelings thus far. I can't decide where the change needs to take place, but I am leaning on the fact that birthing women NEED/HAVE to become more aware of this and DEMAND better treatment. I think if mass women started waking up and realizing this is going on very few would lie down and take it (no pun intended, lol)! But, we as doulas have the responsibility of getting this information to them! That is just my two cents. I think it has to start with individual women, BUT also with doulas and other caring professionals helping them with the info!!

MothertheMother · 12-22-2006, 10:07 AM

I will definitely be getting this book next from what you are saying. The biggest reason I decided to go the cbe route in addition to being a doula is I quickly discovered that I am not happy with the concept of only helping one woman at a time. I'm drawn to the idea of having the opportunity to help a lot more women by providing them with evidence-based information. And my idealistic side hopes I might have a positive influence on other childbirth educators in my area with time.

ctowndoula · 12-22-2006, 10:50 AM

I think the biggest problem is the two sides of a coin; on the one side, SOME Dr. get into medicine to become God, and on the other side, we want them to be God. Our culture wants miracle workers so that we don't have to take as much responsiblity for our own health and care. Harsh perhaps, but my

.

I have heard some of the ideas expressed in his book from other cbes, doulas, etc. but I hope the fact that a Dr. wrote it will give it better creditablity with the general public. I do plan on recommending it to any women I know that will read it.

I wonder if more Women's Rights Activists could be pursaued (sic) to make birth a priority? It has everything to do with a woman's body and her choices. Women need to be empowered to take charge of their own care. If they don't want that responsibility, nothing will change.

douladot · 12-22-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctowndoula

Women need to be empowered to take charge of their own care. If they don't want that responsibility, nothing will change.

Exactly!!

douladot · 01-21-2007, 10:18 AM

Well, ladies -- I just this morning finished this book and am pretty speechless right now. I loved the book, but knowing what it is going to take to change the way birth is done in the USA is pretty daunting. I know for a fact that we as doulas have a great position in helping move the process of less medicalized birth along, but it just seems like there is so far to go. I also feel very strongly that education is a big piece to the puzzle and am struggling currently with becoming a CBE and what organization to go with. I want to become more confident in my ability to teach evidence based material and not be nervous that I am not presenting information that is incorrect. Anyway, just mainly thinking outloud here! Thanks for listening!

MothertheMother · 01-21-2007, 10:29 AM

post a book review!!!!

jesscardona · 01-21-2007, 11:21 AM

yes please do!

if you don't we will haunt you!

gemasita · 01-21-2007, 06:44 PM

I cannot WAIT to buy this book! Of course, ME reading it won't make as much difference as if a doctor around here were to read it!

jesscardona · 01-21-2007, 08:18 PM

Thanks for posting the book review...