Saturday, December 17, 2011

Walk Slowly, Live Wildly

The blog Walk Slowly, Live Wildly is written by a woman named Sara Janssen. She wrote an incredible post about pregnancy and birth that I find to be everything I want to say but can't always articulate as well as great tips on a healthy, natural pregnancy. Here is the link to her post and also a beautiful video she put together about the homebirth of her second child. I can't say enough about it. So beautiful!

The Homebirth of Lucia Mae from Sara Janssen on Vimeo.

2 comments:

Lani said...

I think one of the things I appreciate most about this article is how clear she was on the fact that these are HER views and opinions based on HER research and experience, and does not discount other women's choices or experiences with pregnancy and childbirth. I find that people on both 'sides' of this issue have a tendency to claim that women should make informed decisions about their health care. But, when it comes down to it, what they really think is that the only 'informed decision' is the one that agrees with their own. And, quite frankly, I find that pro-natural women tend to do this (coming across as judgemental) more than women who choose a more medicated experience.

As far as my own views, there is definitely a problem (or rather several) with childbirth in the US. And no doubt a lot of it comes from over-use and mal-use of medical interventions. But, this does not mean that doctors, pitocin, epidurals and such are not inherently 'bad' choices. Even with the problems that we have in the US, the vast majority of mothers and babies come through childbirth happy and healthy.

Even for someone like myself who tends to agree with a more 'natural' approach in general, every birth is different. There are different situations (finances, work, family), different places, different health care choices, and each time there is one more child to take into consideration. While myself and the unborn child deserve priority, I do still need to take into consideration my husband and 3 other children.

Anna said...

LOVE this post! I appreciate Sara's passion and insight. I unfortunately have heard so many judgmental comments about natural childbirth/homebirth over the years and some of them right to my face regarding my own personal choices...from men, women and medical professionals. But I am not offended because I know they speak out of fear...most of the mothers I have ever met are completely uninformed by their doctors or medical professionals. That is where change is needed...if women come together and, like Sara said, honor each others births and share our experiences and what we've learned, it will be a beautiful sight to behold!