birth in the 1%

Who ever thought I'd be in the 1% margin in anything? I just heard a statistic that only 1% of women in America give birth at home. That's amazing to me, considering that 99% of the entire world's population alive today was born at home! These numbers are important to me considering that 1 in 3 babies in America are born via cesarean section (more in some hospitals and regions!) - that's the highest number in the world! ** The World Health Organization studies recommends a cesarean section rates of only 5-10%, and states that rates above 15% seem to do more harm than good.** It makes me wonder what our culture is missing?

I am greatful that hospitals exist, and I realize they are necessary in some - many - cases. I am also greatful that women today have the choice to give birth the way they need to feel safe, whatever that means to the individual. But I question why have we removed ourselves so far from believing in what our bodies were created to do? How did we lose that trust? When did we become afraid of something so natural and so beautiful as giving life to a child growing inside of us?

I am ever greatful that I was able to experience Emerson's birth in my own home. It wasn't easy at all, but the one fleeting thought I did have of wanting to be in a hospital quickly passed with the next contraction, with the realization that in the hospital I would have medical interventions (asked for and unasked for!) that eventually would prevent me from giving birth naturally, just as they did with Sofia's birth.

And, having to be in the NICU at the hospital for Emerson's first week of life made me realize how glad I was that his first few moments were at home, in a calm, safe and warm environment, with Kent and me, and not being rushed away by some nurse who would flip-flop him around to wash and test and poke. I heard so many newborn babies and their cries, and was happy that while at home, Emerson never cried like they did. Of course, I was sad for what he had to go through while in the hospital, but I also new that it was necessary, and Kent and I did all we could to be present with him as much as physically possible.

** I must enter a disclaimer here. Emerson's "aspirated pneumonia" is a condition that happens to babies both at the hospital and at home. Our homebirth in no way contributed to his having to transport to the hospital. **

Having experienced the birth of Emerson, I have a new respect for all birthing women throughout time and spanning the universe. It is a feeling that I was unable to have with Sofia's birth, since she was born via cesarean section that I am sure was the result of unnecessary medical interventions which prevented my body from doing what it needed to do within the time limit the hospital imposes on a laboring woman.

For further reading on cesarean rates and hospital politics in America:
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10456