To The Mother Contemplating Homebirth

Dear Mother,

          I am coming to you today to beg you to please don't make the same decisions I did. You see, I chose to homebirth with a CPM. I had previously had a successful homebirth with the same midwife. I ran in many of the circles that you do now. I did the research, got midwife references, grilled my midwife, etc. Basically, I did everything you've done. I was confident in my decisions and considered myself well educated. When well-meaning people would give me grief about my decisions, I would throw out the studies proving that what I was doing was completely safe.

          Today marks 7 years since my second homebirth. Like any other mother, I get to mark today with cupcakes, crafts, balloons, and gifts. We had funfetti cupcakes with pink icing and pink sugar crystals, pink and purple balloons, 3D stickers, a cute butterfly, and two new pinwheels. We had a friend and her grandchildren join us in the festivities. It was a really nice time.

          Today also marks seven years ago that my daughter died. Scattered in with our yearly celebration are tears and pain. Picking out balloons consisted of me crying in the store and some poor unknowing cashier setting out Kleenex for me. A trip to the craft store consisted of me crying while looking at bows. When I woke up today, I instinctively cried, so my amazing doberman hopped up in my bed to help comfort me. My friend, well, she's the lovely woman that donates her time to other bereaved families by photographing our babies. She was been a gem throughout this process. Today, I received things in my daughter's memory.

          Seven years ago, my daughter died a completely preventable death because my midwife (somehow) missed the signs that she wasn't getting enough oxygen and was in respiratory distress. Instead of actually saying "I think this baby needs evaluated, transport", she told us our daughter was perfectly healthy. Perfectly HEALTHY. I have to live with the fact that I believed what I was told. My midwife, well, she's still off delivering babies even though her negligence has claimed more innocent lives than Lisa Barrett! Choosing to speak out, it made me a pariah among my friends within the homebirth community, therefore I was completely abandoned and ostracized. My grief was judged, my child's death completely disregarded.

          I do not wish this life upon any other person. It hurts so very much. I want you to have a beautiful healthy baby. I want that baby to be in your arms! I want you to be able to do all the things that were robbed of me like those sweet smiles, giggles, coos, hearing MA-MA, hugs, kisses, first teeth, holidays, etc. The list of beautiful milestones grows every day. My heart and my body, they feel this absence every single day. I don't want this for you. I urge you to please reconsider the decisions that you are making. When told that this birth will affect everything, please remember that it isn't always good change. Grief is a terrible burden to carry.

The More You Learn

          Being in school, I've chosen to use my experiences when it comes to writing projects. This was probably not the best idea that I've ever had. Right now, I'm tackling a research project in regards to midwifery, their education, and birth outcomes in relation to that. I'm finding out more than I ever knew in regards to the entire CPM title/certification and sometimes it causes me to have to close my laptop and walk away. This is infuriating and I don't get how I fell for this crap nor how others are ok with it.

          MANA, did you know, they are the ones that created all these other little organizations. We see stuff about how CPM's can CHOOSE to go to an MEAC accredited school. Did you know members of MANA are the MEAC??? I sure as heck didn't know that! Everything in regards to CPM's always sounds so legit and they throw out organization names without telling anybody that they are one big conglomerate. Even NARM was created by them.It's great that they set their mind on trying to be legit, although there is already legit midwifery credentials and organizations out there. However, to have one group decide on everything is just corrupt.

          I happened to come across something called a job analysis, which is what NARM bases their exam on. How is this analysis done?? By surveying direct entry midwives about what skills and knowledge bases they deem important in midwifery. In the latest analysis the survey says they are more concerned with counseling women on alcohol consumption in pregnancy than in knowing how to treat group B strep. Lets take a good look at that. Group B Strep, untreated, will affect 1 in 200 babies and kill 1 in 20.  FAS affects .2-2 in 1,000 babies, with the mortality rates at 2.4%. Can anyone with a mathematical background please tell me which one of these is more prevalent? Why in the world are these uneducated women picking and choosing which skill sets they believe are unimportant?? Why is NARM changing the exam to cater to women that have decided they don't see the importance of various skills or knowledge bases? Am I the only one that thinks this is completely nuts??

          Something really has to change. This whole CPM credential needs abolished. We are already seeing the mortality rates rising, in not only babies, but in mothers as well. There is absolutely no excuse as to why these people should be practicing. Frankly, I think the majority are just too lazy and stupid to get a proper education. That's all it is. You want to do something with your life, well, make it happen, properly! Hell, I will need a Bachelors to work in my field. I can't just decide I want to do something and follow another clueless person around. I also won't be facing a life or death situation. For those CPM supporters, you guys need to pull your heads out of your asses and look at this situation without the rose colored glasses.

           You may be thinking to yourself, "Wow, she sounds angry". You're right, I am. I am beyond angry that this piss poor standard is promoted. I am pissed that not only did I lose my child, but I have friends that have lost their beautiful babies too. I am pissed that children are losing their mothers. I am pissed that these numbers are on the upswing. I know that it's only a matter of time before some celebrity either losses their baby, dies themselves, or worse- lose both mother and baby (happened recently). Something has to give, people have to stand up. This is getting worse.

Coming soon

I will be creating a facebook page dealing with Homebirth Safety. Yes, it will support homebirth and how to do it SAFELY. Safety is one of the subjects that are sorely lacking in the community and they should be addressed. No more telling a mom that it's safe to have a HBA2C or it's safe to decline GBS testing or safe to stick garlic in your vagina. We will NOT endorse or support anything less than a CNM or CM. We will endorse midwives that we know practice safely and adhere to strict standards so that mothers know they are getting the best. There will be a blog that will consist of midwife names and other information about them.

If you are a CNM or CM who would like to be featured on the new blog, you can email me at momofmanyfeet at yahoo dot com. Feel free to share things such as Why you got into midwifery, thoughts on birth, your educational background, work experience, high risk situations you have dealt with and how you handled them, transfer rates, number of births, number of lost babies, and basically anything else you would want a mother to know before choosing your practice!!

Coming soon

I will be creating a facebook page dealing with Homebirth Safety. Yes, it will support homebirth and how to do it SAFELY. Safety is one of the subjects that are sorely lacking in the community and they should be addressed. No more telling a mom that it's safe to have a HBA2C or it's safe to decline GBS testing or safe to stick garlic in your vagina. We will NOT endorse or support anything less than a CNM or CM. We will endorse midwives that we know practice safely and adhere to strict standards so that mothers know they are getting the best. There will be a blog that will consist of midwife names and other information about them.

If you are a CNM or CM who would like to be featured on the new blog, you can email me at momofmanyfeet at yahoo dot com. Feel free to share things such as Why you got into midwifery, thoughts on birth, your educational background, work experience, high risk situations you have dealt with and how you handled them, transfer rates, number of births, number of lost babies, and basically anything else you would want a mother to know before choosing your practice!!

Midwives and their supporters really care!

Looking at the recent events in Virginia, soon to be Maryland too, it leads me to really think about things. Here we have a woman, Karen Carr, who feels a passion to become a midwife due to her c-section. We all have passions for things we do. My husband became passionate about sick babies, so he has chosen to go to nursing school. I am passionate about helping parents, so I am active with my support group and involved with local perinatal bereavement programs at the hospitals around here. We care because we had a baby that died.

Midwives, like Carr, have a passion, but are unwilling to make that passion become an admirable or even respectable endeavor. They want to get out there and deliver babies, but, do not want to spend the time or energy to actually get educated or trained. This is how much they care about women and babies. Instead of looking at WHY laws are the way they are when it comes to midwifery, they stick their tongue out and say they are going to do what they want regardless. They couldn't possibly understand that laws exist to protect the public. Why do they need protecting?? Because CPM's are not educated or trained.

Let's look at how we are spoon fed the line about homebirths being as safe or safer than hospital births. On one hand we have CDC Statistics showing a 3X higher risk of babies dying while on the other, we have MANA who refuses to release numbers. We have Melissa Cheyney, who accepted $53K in grant money from two organizations to help with MANAstats between fall 2008 and spring 2010, that sits on the board for the Oregon Midwifery Council and MANA, that wants oregon midwives to report to MANA. Let's look at this- One woman deciding that all members of this group share numbers and information with another organization that she is paid to help play with their numbers, that they then refuse to release. Sounds like she gets a hefty paycheck helping MANA hide their numbers. If they really cared about women, they would say "Here are the numbers". It isn't hard to do. Why not have a site like CDC Wonder allowing us to see transfers, VBAC, Twins, deaths and when they occured, breech, etc? Why don't homebirth advocates ask the questions about midwives and homebirths as they do about hospitals and OB's? Why is it acceptable for midwifery organizations to refuse to share information with the people they are trying to help? Simply put, because they really don't care about the advocates. They know these women are weak and will believe anything they say. They prey upon this weakness. We know Melissa has made a pretty penny here, so maybe we should look at the rest of the people involved with MANA. From the looks of it, since 2004, MANA has received 18 grants from the Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery. That foundation also gave money to the authors of the infamous BMJ study, actually both years before it's release and then again a year after it's release. I'm thinking these people care more about money than they do women or babies. After all, if they cared, there wouldn't be all this money wasted on an organization that doesn't really do anything besides sit there spouting the same nonsense that they always have.

What about dead babies, who cares for them?? Good question. I would certainly say their parents and those who warn against the dangers that CPM's pose. Look at Karen Carr and Amy Medwin. Hell., look at my midwife, Brenda Newport and Faith Beltz, midwife presiding over the death of Liz P's baby. All of these midwives just chalked it up to a loss and moved on. My midwife didn't care until she knew she was at risk for being arrested, then again when she learned we filed a complaint and had information in hand. That was as far as her caring went. Midwives care when they feel they stand to lose something. That's it. Homebirth advocates, they don't care. I recently did a piece on the attitudes and things said that can outline this better. Suffice it to say, again, they don't care. As far as they are concerned, it would of happened regardless or it's your fault. They will only support you if you pretend the midwife and/or location had nothing to do with it, so you have to act like you don't care and don't talk about the circumstances, ever. Would anyone who really cared treat a homebirth loss mom like that?? No, not hardly. They would pissed as all get out that an innocent baby died. They wouldn't want to see that midwife risking lives all over. We now know Carr had two deaths within a three month time span. Advocates still think this is ok and no big deal. There are 2 dead babies out of her 135 from last year. What about all the years prior? Medwin had two dead babies a month apart! Even Melissa dismissed a complaint brought forth by parents when their baby died!! If advocates and midwives really cared, this wouldn't be so commonplace nor would it be so accepted.

What happens when there are preventable hospital losses? A) There are investigations done into conduct. People are disciplined accordingly. Doctors are sued. You won't find a doctor telling parents "Eh, babies die at other hospitals too" and then chit chatting their buddy saying "Next time, make sure you write down this BP, now go enjoy yourself". B) They look into and even do change policies. They don't want these things to happen again. It's called learning from experience. They aren't going to, again, say "Eh, babies die at other hospitals too". One preventable loss is one loss too many to doctors and hospitals. If they screw up, they want to fix it.

So, do midwives or advocates really care about women/babies?? Better yet, what have they done to show they care?

Midwives and their supporters really care!

Looking at the recent events in Virginia, soon to be Maryland too, it leads me to really think about things. Here we have a woman, Karen Carr, who feels a passion to become a midwife due to her c-section. We all have passions for things we do. My husband became passionate about sick babies, so he has chosen to go to nursing school. I am passionate about helping parents, so I am active with my support group and involved with local perinatal bereavement programs at the hospitals around here. We care because we had a baby that died.

Midwives, like Carr, have a passion, but are unwilling to make that passion become an admirable or even respectable endeavor. They want to get out there and deliver babies, but, do not want to spend the time or energy to actually get educated or trained. This is how much they care about women and babies. Instead of looking at WHY laws are the way they are when it comes to midwifery, they stick their tongue out and say they are going to do what they want regardless. They couldn't possibly understand that laws exist to protect the public. Why do they need protecting?? Because CPM's are not educated or trained.

Let's look at how we are spoon fed the line about homebirths being as safe or safer than hospital births. On one hand we have CDC Statistics showing a 3X higher risk of babies dying while on the other, we have MANA who refuses to release numbers. We have Melissa Cheyney, who accepted $53K in grant money from two organizations to help with MANAstats between fall 2008 and spring 2010, that sits on the board for the Oregon Midwifery Council and MANA, that wants oregon midwives to report to MANA. Let's look at this- One woman deciding that all members of this group share numbers and information with another organization that she is paid to help play with their numbers, that they then refuse to release. Sounds like she gets a hefty paycheck helping MANA hide their numbers. If they really cared about women, they would say "Here are the numbers". It isn't hard to do. Why not have a site like CDC Wonder allowing us to see transfers, VBAC, Twins, deaths and when they occured, breech, etc? Why don't homebirth advocates ask the questions about midwives and homebirths as they do about hospitals and OB's? Why is it acceptable for midwifery organizations to refuse to share information with the people they are trying to help? Simply put, because they really don't care about the advocates. They know these women are weak and will believe anything they say. They prey upon this weakness. We know Melissa has made a pretty penny here, so maybe we should look at the rest of the people involved with MANA. From the looks of it, since 2004, MANA has received 18 grants from the Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery. That foundation also gave money to the authors of the infamous BMJ study, actually both years before it's release and then again a year after it's release. I'm thinking these people care more about money than they do women or babies. After all, if they cared, there wouldn't be all this money wasted on an organization that doesn't really do anything besides sit there spouting the same nonsense that they always have.

What about dead babies, who cares for them?? Good question. I would certainly say their parents and those who warn against the dangers that CPM's pose. Look at Karen Carr and Amy Medwin. Hell., look at my midwife, Brenda Newport and Faith Beltz, midwife presiding over the death of Liz P's baby. All of these midwives just chalked it up to a loss and moved on. My midwife didn't care until she knew she was at risk for being arrested, then again when she learned we filed a complaint and had information in hand. That was as far as her caring went. Midwives care when they feel they stand to lose something. That's it. Homebirth advocates, they don't care. I recently did a piece on the attitudes and things said that can outline this better. Suffice it to say, again, they don't care. As far as they are concerned, it would of happened regardless or it's your fault. They will only support you if you pretend the midwife and/or location had nothing to do with it, so you have to act like you don't care and don't talk about the circumstances, ever. Would anyone who really cared treat a homebirth loss mom like that?? No, not hardly. They would pissed as all get out that an innocent baby died. They wouldn't want to see that midwife risking lives all over. We now know Carr had two deaths within a three month time span. Advocates still think this is ok and no big deal. There are 2 dead babies out of her 135 from last year. What about all the years prior? Medwin had two dead babies a month apart! Even Melissa dismissed a complaint brought forth by parents when their baby died!! If advocates and midwives really cared, this wouldn't be so commonplace nor would it be so accepted.

What happens when there are preventable hospital losses? A) There are investigations done into conduct. People are disciplined accordingly. Doctors are sued. You won't find a doctor telling parents "Eh, babies die at other hospitals too" and then chit chatting their buddy saying "Next time, make sure you write down this BP, now go enjoy yourself". B) They look into and even do change policies. They don't want these things to happen again. It's called learning from experience. They aren't going to, again, say "Eh, babies die at other hospitals too". One preventable loss is one loss too many to doctors and hospitals. If they screw up, they want to fix it.

So, do midwives or advocates really care about women/babies?? Better yet, what have they done to show they care?

Let's discuss something

I want to know exactly what my readers think of the homebirth system in the USA. Do you think changes need made? What would YOU like to see? Do you think safe birthing practices should be the priority or should access to midwifery come first (You can only choose one)? Please pass this page around so we can find out exactly what people think.

Perhaps we can all work together to increase access to SAFE midwives!

Let's discuss something

I want to know exactly what my readers think of the homebirth system in the USA. Do you think changes need made? What would YOU like to see? Do you think safe birthing practices should be the priority or should access to midwifery come first (You can only choose one)? Please pass this page around so we can find out exactly what people think.

Perhaps we can all work together to increase access to SAFE midwives!

Incompetence in Midwifery

Recently, NC CPM Emily "Amy" Medwin was arrested for practicing medicine without a license. This is NOT her first run in with NC authorities. NC Friends of Midwives are rallying behind this midwife in droves. According to them, she is a wonderful midwife.

In the state of NC, it is illegal to practice midwifery unless you are a Certified Nurse Midwife or a CNM. The state of North Carolina is NOT limiting your choices. They are giving you safe options. CPM's have a perinatal mortality rate that is 3X higher than in the hospital. I will go so far as to say that CPM's are a threat to public safety, NOT an asset. When a product causes a few deaths, recalls are performed and products are taken off of shelves. So, why are non-CNM's still practicing??

Having shared my story, many people have said that they cannot believe my midwife is still practicing. Faith Beltz, who caused the death of Aquila, is still practicing. A North Carolina mother lost her baby due to Amy Medwin amnd another has a baby clinging to life. Why don't these friend of midwife organizations stand up and say "We want mothers and babies safe"? If you are supporting a midwife that has caused an infant loss, you are showing people that the health of women and their babies is unimportant, the importance lies in just having midwives. Incompetence should be discouraged. What if it is your baby next?? Don't think it can't happen to you, because it can. Not a single homebirth mother is invincible. This midwife you support could end up being the very person who destroys your world by taking your child's life. Why can't homebirth supporters tell incompetent midwives that they will not support them??

I know people are clamoring about choice. One incompetent midwife does not take away your choice. If anything, you have been given safER choices. If homebirth means more to you than your child's life, hey, find another subpar CPM- they're all over the place. If you want SAFE choices, go to a DR or a CNM. I have to say, CNM's do have better rates than even doctors. However, I think it also shows that CNM's do take on only real low risk mothers. If CPM's were so educated and knew all about "normal birth", their numbers would reflect those of CNM's. CPM numbers don't even reflect those of DR's! Forget choice. Let's think about SAFETY! There is nothing stopping CPM's from becoming CNM's. Oh wait, they don't want to go to school, don't want to learn about the entire body, don't want to spend the money, AND women don't find educated care providers desirable!

Would you support a person performing back alley abortions?? They know all about the reproductive system and how abortions are performed. You might lose a few mothers. Interestingly enough, childbirth is riskier than abortion!

Incompetence in Midwifery

Recently, NC CPM Emily "Amy" Medwin was arrested for practicing medicine without a license. This is NOT her first run in with NC authorities. NC Friends of Midwives are rallying behind this midwife in droves. According to them, she is a wonderful midwife.

In the state of NC, it is illegal to practice midwifery unless you are a Certified Nurse Midwife or a CNM. The state of North Carolina is NOT limiting your choices. They are giving you safe options. CPM's have a perinatal mortality rate that is 3X higher than in the hospital. I will go so far as to say that CPM's are a threat to public safety, NOT an asset. When a product causes a few deaths, recalls are performed and products are taken off of shelves. So, why are non-CNM's still practicing??

Having shared my story, many people have said that they cannot believe my midwife is still practicing. Faith Beltz, who caused the death of Aquila, is still practicing. A North Carolina mother lost her baby due to Amy Medwin amnd another has a baby clinging to life. Why don't these friend of midwife organizations stand up and say "We want mothers and babies safe"? If you are supporting a midwife that has caused an infant loss, you are showing people that the health of women and their babies is unimportant, the importance lies in just having midwives. Incompetence should be discouraged. What if it is your baby next?? Don't think it can't happen to you, because it can. Not a single homebirth mother is invincible. This midwife you support could end up being the very person who destroys your world by taking your child's life. Why can't homebirth supporters tell incompetent midwives that they will not support them??

I know people are clamoring about choice. One incompetent midwife does not take away your choice. If anything, you have been given safER choices. If homebirth means more to you than your child's life, hey, find another subpar CPM- they're all over the place. If you want SAFE choices, go to a DR or a CNM. I have to say, CNM's do have better rates than even doctors. However, I think it also shows that CNM's do take on only real low risk mothers. If CPM's were so educated and knew all about "normal birth", their numbers would reflect those of CNM's. CPM numbers don't even reflect those of DR's! Forget choice. Let's think about SAFETY! There is nothing stopping CPM's from becoming CNM's. Oh wait, they don't want to go to school, don't want to learn about the entire body, don't want to spend the money, AND women don't find educated care providers desirable!

Would you support a person performing back alley abortions?? They know all about the reproductive system and how abortions are performed. You might lose a few mothers. Interestingly enough, childbirth is riskier than abortion!

Homebirth reform- in the words of a loss mom

Death challenged many "facts" i thought i knew, and rocked me to my core. In the rubble left i have been carefully and painstakingly reconstructing something of worth from the pieces. i want, i need my daughter's name to matter. i need the world to change in some way because of her.

http://ecmama.blogspot.com/2011/02/reform-homebirth-needs.html

I encourage all childbearing women to read this. I hope all homebirthers take this to heart.


Liz P, you are such a strong woman and I am honored to be your friend. I love you!!

Homebirth reform- in the words of a loss mom

Death challenged many "facts" i thought i knew, and rocked me to my core. In the rubble left i have been carefully and painstakingly reconstructing something of worth from the pieces. i want, i need my daughter's name to matter. i need the world to change in some way because of her.

http://ecmama.blogspot.com/2011/02/reform-homebirth-needs.html

I encourage all childbearing women to read this. I hope all homebirthers take this to heart.


Liz P, you are such a strong woman and I am honored to be your friend. I love you!!

So outraged over maternal mortality

Recently, Ina May Gaskin has reported that maternal mortality is on the rise. The supposed rate is 14.5 out of 100,000. Now, according to the CDC's stats from 2003, the rate is 12.3 out of 100,000. Let's break this down to the 1,000 mark. That would equal .145. NCB advocates are angry about a rate of .145? Then, they are blaming modern obstetrics and "unhealthy women".

The out of hospital death rate is 7.84 (out of 1,000). The amount of babies dying outside of the hospital is 54 times higher than the amount of maternal deaths.

So, based on the numbers, where should the outrage lie? Why are NCB advocates making a huge fuss about a rate of .145? We know that pregnancy carries risks and can cause maternal health problems. We also know that people do have more health related issues these days. Luckily modern medicine can help a majority of people suffering from health related issues both in and out of pregnancy. Look at modern day numbers compared to those of days gone by when it was commonplace for a mother to die. Imagine all of these pregnancy induced issues that are now manageable. 100 years ago, the maternal mortality rates were 15.4 out of 100,000. I do admit that for having so much technology, the improvement is not incredibly high, at least not as high as I would imagine!

However, looking at infant mortality rates, we know that in 1911, the infant mortality rate was 135 out of 1,000. So, out of 100,000 births 13,500 babies died. In 2005, the perinatal/neonatal death rates were 5.79. If we look at this out of 100,000 births, that would be 579 babies. So, only 4.3% of babies now die compared to the good ole days. If you look at out of hospital rates, 5.8% of babies now die compared to 100 years ago.

Which numbers should we be outraged over again?? Perhaps it is time for Ina May to care about the babies dying in the name of homebirth!

So outraged over maternal mortality

Recently, Ina May Gaskin has reported that maternal mortality is on the rise. The supposed rate is 14.5 out of 100,000. Now, according to the CDC's stats from 2003, the rate is 12.3 out of 100,000. Let's break this down to the 1,000 mark. That would equal .145. NCB advocates are angry about a rate of .145? Then, they are blaming modern obstetrics and "unhealthy women".

The out of hospital death rate is 7.84 (out of 1,000). The amount of babies dying outside of the hospital is 54 times higher than the amount of maternal deaths.

So, based on the numbers, where should the outrage lie? Why are NCB advocates making a huge fuss about a rate of .145? We know that pregnancy carries risks and can cause maternal health problems. We also know that people do have more health related issues these days. Luckily modern medicine can help a majority of people suffering from health related issues both in and out of pregnancy. Look at modern day numbers compared to those of days gone by when it was commonplace for a mother to die. Imagine all of these pregnancy induced issues that are now manageable. 100 years ago, the maternal mortality rates were 15.4 out of 100,000. I do admit that for having so much technology, the improvement is not incredibly high, at least not as high as I would imagine!

However, looking at infant mortality rates, we know that in 1911, the infant mortality rate was 135 out of 1,000. So, out of 100,000 births 13,500 babies died. In 2005, the perinatal/neonatal death rates were 5.79. If we look at this out of 100,000 births, that would be 579 babies. So, only 4.3% of babies now die compared to the good ole days. If you look at out of hospital rates, 5.8% of babies now die compared to 100 years ago.

Which numbers should we be outraged over again?? Perhaps it is time for Ina May to care about the babies dying in the name of homebirth!

Our survey, more in depth

If you have filled out the survey and do not want me using your loss as a case, contact me and give me your info and I will take it out. My goal is not to exploit anyone's loss. I only wish to learn from them. I do not want my loss exploited, but, I do wish to share so that I can help someone else avoid the tragedy we have lived through. Nobody should have to bury their child. I also have to live with the guilt of knowing my choice to use this "experienced and trained" midwife led to my daughter's death. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.



Respondent 1

Had Care from a DR, CPM, and Peri
Had 1st trimester bleeding and an unlisted issue
Had an induced vaginal delivery in the hospital at 34 weeks
Neonatal Loss due to Bilateral Renal Agenesis
Delivered by a DR in the hospital



Respondent 2

Had care from a DR
Pregnancy had no issues
Had an emergency c-section at 26 weeks due to fetal decels
Stillbirth due to Genetic Issues incompatible with life
Delivered by a DR in the hospital



Respondent 3

Had care from a CNM
Had Hypertension and Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Induced Vaginal birth at 40+ weeks
Stillbirth due to Placental Insufficiency and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
Delivered by CNM in the hospital

Respondent 4

Had dual care from a DR and CNM
Had Hypertension, Bleeding in the 1st trimester, Pre-eclampsia, and an unlisted issue
Augmented vaginal delivery at 36 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Negligent DR, Infection, and Hep B Vaccine Reaction
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 5

Had care from a DR
Had Gestational Diabetes
Vaginal Delivery at 40+ weeks
Unsure if this was a Stillbirth or Neonatal loss but loss is due to Infection
Delivered by an OB (had to of been hospital as mother had a vaccum delivery and IV meds)

Respondent 6

Had care from a DR
Had Hypertension and Pre-Eclampsia
Elective C-section at 37 weeks
Neonatal loss due to unknown reasons
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 7

Had care from a DR, CPM, DEM, and Peri
Had unexplained bleeding in the first and second trimesters
Vaginal delivery at 22 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Prematurity
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 8

Had care from a CPM
No issues in the pregnancy
C-section at 40+ weeks (baby stopped moving)
Neonatal Loss due to Negligent Midwife
Delivered by an OB in the hospital

Respondent 9

Had care from a DR and Peri
Had an unlisted issue
PROM leading to Vaginal birth at 23 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Prematurity, Infection, Brain Damage from birth, NICU acquired illness, and Severe Critical Illness
Hospital delivery

Respondent 10

Had care from a DR
Had Incompetent Cervix and an Unlisted issue
Vaginal Delivery at 20 weeks
Neonatal Loss due to prematurity
Delivered by Respondent 10 at home

Respondent 11

Had care from a LM
No pregnancy issues
Elective c-section at 40+ weeks after homebirth transfer
Stillbirth due to unexplained issues
Delivered by a DR at the hospital

Respondent 12

Had care from a CNM
Had Advanced maternal Age
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillbirth with Unexplained issues
Delivered at home by Respondent 12's SO

Respondent 13

Had care from a DR
Had an unlisted issue
Induced vaginal delivery at 26 weeks
Stillbirth due to Clotting disorder
Delivered in a Birth Center by DR

Respondent 14

Had care from a DR
Had an unlisted issue
Vaginal Delivery at 24 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Negligent DR, Prematurity, and NICU acquired illness
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 15

Had care from a DEM
Had an unlisted issue
C-section at 40+ weeks after homebirth transfer
Stillborn due to Uterine Rupture, Negligent Midwife, read mother's HR for babies
Hospital delivery by a DR

Respondent 16

Had care from a CNM
Had Incompetent Cervix, Advanced maternal Age, and an unlisted issue
Augmented Vaginal delivery at 20 weeks
Stillborn due to Incompetent Cervix, GBS+, and Placental infection
Hospital delivery by a DR

Respondent 17

Had dual care with a DR and CNM
Had Gestational Diabetes, Excess Amniotic Fluid, and Preeclampsia
C-section at 36 weeks with breech baby
Neonatal loss due to genetic issues
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 18

Had care from a DR
Had Placenta Accreta
C-section at 32 weeks after trauma from a car accident
Neonatal Loss due to brain damage suffered after car accident
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 19

No Prenatal Care
Had an Unlisted issue
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillborn due to a cord accident
Delivered at home by Respondent 19

Respondent 20

Had care from a LM
Had an Unlisted issue
Vaginal delivery at 20 weeks
Neonatal loss due to prematurity
delivered at home by Respondent 20

Respondent 21

Had care from a DR
Had more than 5 previous pregnancies, Excess amniotic fluid, Unexplained 1st and 2nd trimester bleeding, and an unlisted issue
Augmented vaginal delivery at 36 weeks
Stillborn due to placental abruption
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 22

Had care from a DR
No pregnancy issues
Vaginal delivery at 39 weeks
Stillborn due to a cord accident
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 23

Had care from a DR
Had an Unlisted issue
Elective C-section at 40+ weeks
Neonatal loss due to multiple genetic anomolies
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 24

Had care from a DR
Had no issues
Emergency C-section due to prolonged labor at 40+ weeks
Neonatal loss due to Negligent DR, Infection, and Meconium Aspiration
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 25

Had dual care from a DR and CNM
Had no issues
Induced vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillborn due to unknown reasons
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 26

Had dual care from a DR and CNM
Had Incompetent Cervix
Augmented Vaginal Delivery at 22 weeks
Neonatal loss due to prematurity
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 27

Had dual care from a DR and Peri
Had an unlisted issue
Induced Vaginal Delivery at 30 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Unexplained, slight velementous cord insertion, low-ish amniotic fluid, slightly enlarged placenta, slightly enlarged cord
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 28

Had care from CNM
Had no issues
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillbirth due to unknown reasons
Delivered by a CNM in the hospital

Respondent 29

Had care from a CPM
Had more than 5 previous pregnancies, unexplained 2nd trimester bleeding, excess amniotic fluid
Vaginal Delivery at 36 weeks
Neonatal Loss due to negligent midwife, prematurity
Delivered by Respondent 29's SO at home

Respondent 30
Had DR care
No pregnancy issues
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillborn or neonatal death after fetal distress, Negligent DR
Delivered by an OB

Respondent 31
Had CPM care
No known pregnancy issues
C-section at 39 weeks due to non reassuring NST
Neonatal death due to suspected cord accident, low fluid may have played a part
Delivered by OB

So far, the count is

12 OB 3 low risk

4 CNM 1 low risk

3 CPM 2 low risk

1 DEM

2 LM 1 low risk

1 Nobody

2 DR/Peri

4 DR/CNM 1 low risk

1 DR/CPM

1 DR/DEM/CPM/Peri

HB Transfers: 4

HB Deaths: 6

1 39 ND

1 39 SB

2 40+ ND

4 40+ SB

These are all healthy babies from low risk pregnancies. Yikes! I would say your baby has a higher chance of death once you hit 40 weeks, no matter who your provider is.

Our survey, more in depth

If you have filled out the survey and do not want me using your loss as a case, contact me and give me your info and I will take it out. My goal is not to exploit anyone's loss. I only wish to learn from them. I do not want my loss exploited, but, I do wish to share so that I can help someone else avoid the tragedy we have lived through. Nobody should have to bury their child. I also have to live with the guilt of knowing my choice to use this "experienced and trained" midwife led to my daughter's death. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.



Respondent 1

Had Care from a DR, CPM, and Peri
Had 1st trimester bleeding and an unlisted issue
Had an induced vaginal delivery in the hospital at 34 weeks
Neonatal Loss due to Bilateral Renal Agenesis
Delivered by a DR in the hospital



Respondent 2

Had care from a DR
Pregnancy had no issues
Had an emergency c-section at 26 weeks due to fetal decels
Stillbirth due to Genetic Issues incompatible with life
Delivered by a DR in the hospital



Respondent 3

Had care from a CNM
Had Hypertension and Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Induced Vaginal birth at 40+ weeks
Stillbirth due to Placental Insufficiency and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
Delivered by CNM in the hospital

Respondent 4

Had dual care from a DR and CNM
Had Hypertension, Bleeding in the 1st trimester, Pre-eclampsia, and an unlisted issue
Augmented vaginal delivery at 36 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Negligent DR, Infection, and Hep B Vaccine Reaction
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 5

Had care from a DR
Had Gestational Diabetes
Vaginal Delivery at 40+ weeks
Unsure if this was a Stillbirth or Neonatal loss but loss is due to Infection
Delivered by an OB (had to of been hospital as mother had a vaccum delivery and IV meds)

Respondent 6

Had care from a DR
Had Hypertension and Pre-Eclampsia
Elective C-section at 37 weeks
Neonatal loss due to unknown reasons
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 7

Had care from a DR, CPM, DEM, and Peri
Had unexplained bleeding in the first and second trimesters
Vaginal delivery at 22 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Prematurity
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 8

Had care from a CPM
No issues in the pregnancy
C-section at 40+ weeks (baby stopped moving)
Neonatal Loss due to Negligent Midwife
Delivered by an OB in the hospital

Respondent 9

Had care from a DR and Peri
Had an unlisted issue
PROM leading to Vaginal birth at 23 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Prematurity, Infection, Brain Damage from birth, NICU acquired illness, and Severe Critical Illness
Hospital delivery

Respondent 10

Had care from a DR
Had Incompetent Cervix and an Unlisted issue
Vaginal Delivery at 20 weeks
Neonatal Loss due to prematurity
Delivered by Respondent 10 at home

Respondent 11

Had care from a LM
No pregnancy issues
Elective c-section at 40+ weeks after homebirth transfer
Stillbirth due to unexplained issues
Delivered by a DR at the hospital

Respondent 12

Had care from a CNM
Had Advanced maternal Age
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillbirth with Unexplained issues
Delivered at home by Respondent 12's SO

Respondent 13

Had care from a DR
Had an unlisted issue
Induced vaginal delivery at 26 weeks
Stillbirth due to Clotting disorder
Delivered in a Birth Center by DR

Respondent 14

Had care from a DR
Had an unlisted issue
Vaginal Delivery at 24 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Negligent DR, Prematurity, and NICU acquired illness
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 15

Had care from a DEM
Had an unlisted issue
C-section at 40+ weeks after homebirth transfer
Stillborn due to Uterine Rupture, Negligent Midwife, read mother's HR for babies
Hospital delivery by a DR

Respondent 16

Had care from a CNM
Had Incompetent Cervix, Advanced maternal Age, and an unlisted issue
Augmented Vaginal delivery at 20 weeks
Stillborn due to Incompetent Cervix, GBS+, and Placental infection
Hospital delivery by a DR

Respondent 17

Had dual care with a DR and CNM
Had Gestational Diabetes, Excess Amniotic Fluid, and Preeclampsia
C-section at 36 weeks with breech baby
Neonatal loss due to genetic issues
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 18

Had care from a DR
Had Placenta Accreta
C-section at 32 weeks after trauma from a car accident
Neonatal Loss due to brain damage suffered after car accident
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 19

No Prenatal Care
Had an Unlisted issue
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillborn due to a cord accident
Delivered at home by Respondent 19

Respondent 20

Had care from a LM
Had an Unlisted issue
Vaginal delivery at 20 weeks
Neonatal loss due to prematurity
delivered at home by Respondent 20

Respondent 21

Had care from a DR
Had more than 5 previous pregnancies, Excess amniotic fluid, Unexplained 1st and 2nd trimester bleeding, and an unlisted issue
Augmented vaginal delivery at 36 weeks
Stillborn due to placental abruption
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 22

Had care from a DR
No pregnancy issues
Vaginal delivery at 39 weeks
Stillborn due to a cord accident
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 23

Had care from a DR
Had an Unlisted issue
Elective C-section at 40+ weeks
Neonatal loss due to multiple genetic anomolies
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 24

Had care from a DR
Had no issues
Emergency C-section due to prolonged labor at 40+ weeks
Neonatal loss due to Negligent DR, Infection, and Meconium Aspiration
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 25

Had dual care from a DR and CNM
Had no issues
Induced vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillborn due to unknown reasons
Delivered in the hospital by a DR

Respondent 26

Had dual care from a DR and CNM
Had Incompetent Cervix
Augmented Vaginal Delivery at 22 weeks
Neonatal loss due to prematurity
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 27

Had dual care from a DR and Peri
Had an unlisted issue
Induced Vaginal Delivery at 30 weeks
Neonatal loss due to Unexplained, slight velementous cord insertion, low-ish amniotic fluid, slightly enlarged placenta, slightly enlarged cord
Delivered by a DR in the hospital

Respondent 28

Had care from CNM
Had no issues
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillbirth due to unknown reasons
Delivered by a CNM in the hospital

Respondent 29

Had care from a CPM
Had more than 5 previous pregnancies, unexplained 2nd trimester bleeding, excess amniotic fluid
Vaginal Delivery at 36 weeks
Neonatal Loss due to negligent midwife, prematurity
Delivered by Respondent 29's SO at home

Respondent 30
Had DR care
No pregnancy issues
Vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks
Stillborn or neonatal death after fetal distress, Negligent DR
Delivered by an OB

Respondent 31
Had CPM care
No known pregnancy issues
C-section at 39 weeks due to non reassuring NST
Neonatal death due to suspected cord accident, low fluid may have played a part
Delivered by OB

So far, the count is

12 OB 3 low risk

4 CNM 1 low risk

3 CPM 2 low risk

1 DEM

2 LM 1 low risk

1 Nobody

2 DR/Peri

4 DR/CNM 1 low risk

1 DR/CPM

1 DR/DEM/CPM/Peri

HB Transfers: 4

HB Deaths: 6

1 39 ND

1 39 SB

2 40+ ND

4 40+ SB

These are all healthy babies from low risk pregnancies. Yikes! I would say your baby has a higher chance of death once you hit 40 weeks, no matter who your provider is.

Survey Statstics

I will update these as I can. If you haven't filled out the loss survey, please do so. Thank you to all of you who have filled this out and allowed us to know the real statistics!

I'm not going to look at biased sites at all. I will NOT go fishing on various sites either. Mothers are free to come here and share if they choose to. I'm tired of the homebirth vs hospital crap. Yes, some midwives are horrific, and my daughter's loss of life is proof. Yes, some dr's suck as well. I want there to be a place to get real statistics that will not be silenced because it doesn't jive with agendas. I have no agenda but truth. This will be updated as the survey is filled out!

Out of 28 respondents
Prenatal Care:::
10 Had a DR for prenatal care
5 Had dual care with a DR and CNM
4 Had a CNM for prenatal care
2 Had Care from a CPM
1 Had care from a DR and Peri
2 Had care from a LM
1 Had no Prenatal Care
1 Had care from a DR, CPM, and Peri
1 Had care from DR, DEM, CPM, and Peri
1 Had care from a DEM

Home, Hospital, Birth Center:::
22 Moms had Hospital Deliveries
5 Mom had a homebirth
1 Birth Center

Hosital Deliveries:::
13 Vaginal
9 Cesareans

Cesarean reasons:::
1 C-section reulting from long labor after being induced, having EFM, scalp electrode on baby, iv meds, epidural, used forceps (said baby passed from MA, infection, and neg dr)
2 Planned c-section
1 Emergency due to car accident, started having problems, and heartrate dropped
1 Breech, Excess Fluid, and Pre-Eclampsia
1 Heartrate dropped
1 Baby stopped moving
2 Homebirth Transfer

Pregnancy Problems:::
7 No problems at all
4 Genetic Abnormalities
1 Incompetant cervix
6 Unlisted Issue
1 Lots of previous pregnancies, unexplained bleeding in the second trimester, and excess amniotic fluid
1 Lots of previous pregnancies, unexplained bleeding in both first AND second trimesters, excess amniotic fluid, unlisted issue
1 Placenta Accreta
1 Gestational Diabetes, Excess Fuild, Pre-eclampsia
1 Incompetant Cervix, Advanced Maternal Age, Unlisted Issue
1 Unexplained Bleeding in first trimester, unlisted issue
1 Hypertension, Intrauterine Growth Retardation
1 Hypertension, Unexplained bleeding in the first trimester, Preeclampsia, Unlisted Issue
1 Hypertension, Preeclampsia
1 Unexplained bleeding in both the first and second trimester
1 Incompetant Cervix and Unlisted Issue
1 Advanced Maternal Age

Stillbirth vs Neonatal:::
15 Neonatal
12 Stillbirth

Stillbirth:::
2 Cord Accident
3 Unexplained
1 Heart stopped for no reason (that could be seen) less than 24 hours before the birth. No Autopsy
1 Unexplained, slight velementous cord insertion, low-ish amniotic fluid, slightly enlarged placenta, slightly enlarged cord
1 Placental abruption
1 Incompetant Cervix, GBS+, Placental Infection
1 Genetic Issues
1 PIH, Placental Insufficiency
1 Meternal Clotting Disorder
1, Uterine Rupture, Negligent Midwife, Thought mother's HR was baby's

Neonatal:::
1 Premature
1 Meconium Aspiration, Infection, Negligent DR
2 Negligent Midwife
2 Genetic Abnormailities
3 Extreme Prematurity
1 Brain Damage resulting from impact of car accident
1 Bilateral Renal Agenesis
1 Negligent DR, Infection, Hep B Vaccine Reaction
1 Unknown
1 Extreme Prematurity, Infection, Brain Damage from Birth, NICU Acquired Illness, Severe Critical Illness
1 Extreme Prematurity, Negligent DR, NICU Acquired Illness

How mother's researched:::
23 Read Books
20 Read Articles
20 Talked to a DR
20 Online Message Boards
18 Spoke to Friends
14 Spoke to family members
14 Read Medical Studies
12 Read Blogs
9 Spoke to a CNM
6 Medical Training
4 Spoke to a CPM
4 Spoke to a LM
3 Took Birth Classes
2 Had been through it before
2 Spoke to DEM

In the women who had no issues during the prgnancy:
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a CPM
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a LM
1 Stillbirth at 39+ weeks using a DR
1 Neonatal Death at 40+ weeks using a DR
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a DR and CNM
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a CNM
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a DEM

So far I am seeing that 7 out of 29 pregnancies had no risk factors and the babies were perfect. Since 5 out of 6 stillbirths in these low risk cases were 40+ weeks, I think it is safe to assume that stillbirth definately increases once a woman hits 40 weeks.

Survey Statstics

I will update these as I can. If you haven't filled out the loss survey, please do so. Thank you to all of you who have filled this out and allowed us to know the real statistics!

I'm not going to look at biased sites at all. I will NOT go fishing on various sites either. Mothers are free to come here and share if they choose to. I'm tired of the homebirth vs hospital crap. Yes, some midwives are horrific, and my daughter's loss of life is proof. Yes, some dr's suck as well. I want there to be a place to get real statistics that will not be silenced because it doesn't jive with agendas. I have no agenda but truth. This will be updated as the survey is filled out!

Out of 28 respondents
Prenatal Care:::
10 Had a DR for prenatal care
5 Had dual care with a DR and CNM
4 Had a CNM for prenatal care
2 Had Care from a CPM
1 Had care from a DR and Peri
2 Had care from a LM
1 Had no Prenatal Care
1 Had care from a DR, CPM, and Peri
1 Had care from DR, DEM, CPM, and Peri
1 Had care from a DEM

Home, Hospital, Birth Center:::
22 Moms had Hospital Deliveries
5 Mom had a homebirth
1 Birth Center

Hosital Deliveries:::
13 Vaginal
9 Cesareans

Cesarean reasons:::
1 C-section reulting from long labor after being induced, having EFM, scalp electrode on baby, iv meds, epidural, used forceps (said baby passed from MA, infection, and neg dr)
2 Planned c-section
1 Emergency due to car accident, started having problems, and heartrate dropped
1 Breech, Excess Fluid, and Pre-Eclampsia
1 Heartrate dropped
1 Baby stopped moving
2 Homebirth Transfer

Pregnancy Problems:::
7 No problems at all
4 Genetic Abnormalities
1 Incompetant cervix
6 Unlisted Issue
1 Lots of previous pregnancies, unexplained bleeding in the second trimester, and excess amniotic fluid
1 Lots of previous pregnancies, unexplained bleeding in both first AND second trimesters, excess amniotic fluid, unlisted issue
1 Placenta Accreta
1 Gestational Diabetes, Excess Fuild, Pre-eclampsia
1 Incompetant Cervix, Advanced Maternal Age, Unlisted Issue
1 Unexplained Bleeding in first trimester, unlisted issue
1 Hypertension, Intrauterine Growth Retardation
1 Hypertension, Unexplained bleeding in the first trimester, Preeclampsia, Unlisted Issue
1 Hypertension, Preeclampsia
1 Unexplained bleeding in both the first and second trimester
1 Incompetant Cervix and Unlisted Issue
1 Advanced Maternal Age

Stillbirth vs Neonatal:::
15 Neonatal
12 Stillbirth

Stillbirth:::
2 Cord Accident
3 Unexplained
1 Heart stopped for no reason (that could be seen) less than 24 hours before the birth. No Autopsy
1 Unexplained, slight velementous cord insertion, low-ish amniotic fluid, slightly enlarged placenta, slightly enlarged cord
1 Placental abruption
1 Incompetant Cervix, GBS+, Placental Infection
1 Genetic Issues
1 PIH, Placental Insufficiency
1 Meternal Clotting Disorder
1, Uterine Rupture, Negligent Midwife, Thought mother's HR was baby's

Neonatal:::
1 Premature
1 Meconium Aspiration, Infection, Negligent DR
2 Negligent Midwife
2 Genetic Abnormailities
3 Extreme Prematurity
1 Brain Damage resulting from impact of car accident
1 Bilateral Renal Agenesis
1 Negligent DR, Infection, Hep B Vaccine Reaction
1 Unknown
1 Extreme Prematurity, Infection, Brain Damage from Birth, NICU Acquired Illness, Severe Critical Illness
1 Extreme Prematurity, Negligent DR, NICU Acquired Illness

How mother's researched:::
23 Read Books
20 Read Articles
20 Talked to a DR
20 Online Message Boards
18 Spoke to Friends
14 Spoke to family members
14 Read Medical Studies
12 Read Blogs
9 Spoke to a CNM
6 Medical Training
4 Spoke to a CPM
4 Spoke to a LM
3 Took Birth Classes
2 Had been through it before
2 Spoke to DEM

In the women who had no issues during the prgnancy:
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a CPM
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a LM
1 Stillbirth at 39+ weeks using a DR
1 Neonatal Death at 40+ weeks using a DR
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a DR and CNM
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a CNM
1 Stillbirth at 40+ weeks using a DEM

So far I am seeing that 7 out of 29 pregnancies had no risk factors and the babies were perfect. Since 5 out of 6 stillbirths in these low risk cases were 40+ weeks, I think it is safe to assume that stillbirth definately increases once a woman hits 40 weeks.

A note about homebirth

I know alot of people go on and on about how horrible hospital births are because of this or that. Be darned if I wasn't one of them!! We talk about how safe homebirth is and poo poo those who don't agree with us or support us. We warn other moms about the horrors of hospital birth. You know when people would tell me that babies used to die because they were born at home, I had my "research and statistics" to back me up and prove they were wrong. Wanna know one thing I have learned now??? We don't hear about deaths after homebirths because of the stigma. Your baby dies in the hospital and people feel sorry for you. Your baby dies after a homebirth and people automatically blame you, even if it wasn't your fault. Because you made the choice to birth at home, you don't really have a right to grieve. I have read so many stories of loss and there are actually groups just for homebirth loss. If homebirth was so much safer than the hospital, we wouldn't need those groups would we??? We talk about how if your low risk home is much safer. I have NEVER been high risk before yet home was the worst place my daughter could of been after her birth. Please, please think about how you promote homebirth as being so safe and wonderful. My daughter is dead because of homebirth. You don't want to be a number or a statistic.

If you want to promote homebirth, fine but please encourage the people to do their homework. There is more to homebirth than just labor and birth itself. There can be problems in the newborn. Make sure your midwife has no birth injuries, deaths, or stillbirths under her belt. Stillbirth can strike anyone, but please be concerned if someone has mulitiple ones. We do our research n the c-section rate of a hospital or doctor, but do you do the research on mortality rates in the midwife you are using??? Do they know anything about newborns?? Have you found out why a baby was injured or died from the parents and not just taken the midife's word??

My 4 hospital babies are here and healthy. Out of my two homebirth babies one is here and healthy while the other is in a cemetary. She is proof that homebirth isn't as safe as we all think.

A note about homebirth

I know alot of people go on and on about how horrible hospital births are because of this or that. Be darned if I wasn't one of them!! We talk about how safe homebirth is and poo poo those who don't agree with us or support us. We warn other moms about the horrors of hospital birth. You know when people would tell me that babies used to die because they were born at home, I had my "research and statistics" to back me up and prove they were wrong. Wanna know one thing I have learned now??? We don't hear about deaths after homebirths because of the stigma. Your baby dies in the hospital and people feel sorry for you. Your baby dies after a homebirth and people automatically blame you, even if it wasn't your fault. Because you made the choice to birth at home, you don't really have a right to grieve. I have read so many stories of loss and there are actually groups just for homebirth loss. If homebirth was so much safer than the hospital, we wouldn't need those groups would we??? We talk about how if your low risk home is much safer. I have NEVER been high risk before yet home was the worst place my daughter could of been after her birth. Please, please think about how you promote homebirth as being so safe and wonderful. My daughter is dead because of homebirth. You don't want to be a number or a statistic.

If you want to promote homebirth, fine but please encourage the people to do their homework. There is more to homebirth than just labor and birth itself. There can be problems in the newborn. Make sure your midwife has no birth injuries, deaths, or stillbirths under her belt. Stillbirth can strike anyone, but please be concerned if someone has mulitiple ones. We do our research n the c-section rate of a hospital or doctor, but do you do the research on mortality rates in the midwife you are using??? Do they know anything about newborns?? Have you found out why a baby was injured or died from the parents and not just taken the midife's word??

My 4 hospital babies are here and healthy. Out of my two homebirth babies one is here and healthy while the other is in a cemetary. She is proof that homebirth isn't as safe as we all think.