United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I thought some of you might be interested in checking out this article. It is so sad that birth has become one medical intervention after another for many women, and that women are constantly putting themselves and their precious babies in harms way, without even realizing it. I was glad to see the article mention the increased risk of shoulder dystocia with induction, but it's a shame they didn't look at the direct impact positioning of the mother and baby can have on shoulder dystocia as well. Not only do routine birth interventions increase the risk of harm, but so do rountine and traditional on your back/sacrum hospital birthing positions. It is just so very sad what has happened to birth.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... d=rssfeeds

Very interesting. So I have a dumb question. What is the preferred position for birth? I had 4 children all on my back. My daughter is talking of getting pregnent and I would like her to be informed.
Sue

The preferred position is one that can be changed easily! Changing positions during labor helps "shift" the child and enables them to move down the birth canal easier. It's interesting that one study showed that McRoberts positioning was very successful when it was applied when the baby got stuck, but didn't help "prevent" babies getting stuck at all (I'd have to dig up the reference if you want to see it). Basically the changing shape of the birth canal that happens with McRoberts helps "unstick" the baby but really isn't preventative.

Avoiding an epidural is the first step to being able to reposition if/when problems arise. Feet strapped into stirrups and a body anchored to a monitor and epi are the worst. Flipping to "all fours" in the event of a stuck baby has shown to be very successful, but most OB/GYNs would be afraid to ask if your lower body is numb from an epidural.

Kate

I'll be interested to see the full article published in the journal (I don't have access to the journal, but sometimes at work I can get access to it, so I'm hoping I can view it there). It is a shame how birth has changed from what it should be to what it now is in many places. It is a shame sometimes as to what some of my patients still now request when they come into the hospital because of what they've seen on "A Baby Story" or something like that. Of course, sometimes interventions are necessary for the safety of mother and baby, but to say that ALL situations require such interventions is crazy as some such hospitals do!

Thanks for posting this Lisa.

Tanya in NY
Amber's Mom, ROBPI, 4 years old

I WAS INDUCED, WITH HELD FOOD FOR 2 DAYS, DELIVERED 3RD DAY 10.4 LB. IV, WATER BROKE BY DOC, SHOULDER DSY, SUPERPUBIC, NECK PULLING, ERB'S PALSY, JAUNDICE OF 23.9, AND U ALL KNOW THE REST.

Good Morning!

It's all to familiar... 13 years later I still remember that day the chaos, lies, anger and saddness. My son has come a long way...and I am prowd!

Great topic!

I just delivered a healthy baby boy in Jan. after my second daughter was born w/ an injury. EVERYONE, including the 12 docs we seen said C-section! We were able to find 2 docs that practiced w/ midwives to deliver. It was the most beautiful experience of my life! It is very sad that women are losing sight of what birth is really supposed to be like. Preparation is key both mentally and physically, and positioning throughout labor is everything. I could go on and on. Good luck and prayers to all who face this topic!
Tonya- Miah's mom

I also delivered a healthy baby girl 11 years later by C-Section....my doctor was well educated in high risk pregnancies and new how to react calmly and appropriately....Although I'll always remember what had happened to my son the day he was born I felt I was starting to define my son by his injury. I chose right then not to have his injury consume our lives. I didn't want mark to be identified by his injury but by who he is as a person, a son, a friend. I pray and I try to help educate others when I can.....for me this helps.