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?

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.