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Supporting an Unpopular Choice
We cannot separate individual circumstances from the social and political contexts in which they occur. As independent midwives, we place ourselves outside the mainstream medical framework. We believe in what we do and feel completely committed to serving women and families in birthing as they choose, so that they can have the safest and most gentle experience possible. At the same time, we recognize our work as revolutionary: part of a worldwide movement of women and families to reclaim their health care, as well as the right to take personal responsibility and make choices. In choosing the care of independent midwives and home birth, it is important to realize that you, too, enter this political arena. This truth might also extend into other areas of you life such as schooling, pediatric care, breastfeeding, etc.
Political Climate
Throughout the United States and Canada, independent midwives, other supportive medical as well as “alternative” professionals, and parents are being harassed by those who would seek to deny our right to practice and your right to make choices. At some point, we may be called upon to defend our rights together. To that end, we all need to feel clear about our relationship. In choosing home birth and independent midwifery care, you must first come to terms with the fact that you are going against what our culture expects of responsible adults.
Assuming Responsibility for Freedom of Choice
It is ironic that the more personal responsibility you assume in this culture, the less responsible you are perceived to be. For example, if birth results in damage in the hospital, no one will come to you and say “See what happens when you have a baby in the hospital?!” However, though very rare, if a problem arises at home, you will invariably be questioned regarding home birth again and again. In the midst of the personal crisis surrounding the complication, there may be relatives, friends, doctors, lawyers, ambulance attendants and the police, demanding information and explanations, and that charges are pressed against your midwives. Your role as responsible parents may be questioned because some authorities consider home birth to be child abuse or neglect. We ask you to project yourselves into such a scenario honestly and examine how you would feel about your original choices under such extreme emotional and political pressure. Not being able to change your choices after the fact, would you still clearly feel they were the right choices for you? If not, please let us know so that we can discuss things further to help you clarify your decision about the most appropriate birthing situation for you.
Based Upon Trust
We strive to create an open and trusting relationship with you that recognizes the inherent lack of guarantees in life and birth. We depend upon you, our clients, to stand behind us in cases of problems, in the same way that we place ourselves at political risk so that you may have your choice of care and birth place. We trust that you will always feel fully confident that we are paying close attention to your care so that you can have the safest experience possible.
(Orignal content written by Nancy Wainer and rewritten by Kelley Faulkner)
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