Gentle birth can change the world.

There are so many resources and stories on the internet for soon-to-be parents. 

Here is a collection of my favorite links...

Finding a Midwife

BirthPartners.com 

Midwife Info.com 

Oregon Midwives

Questions to ask when interviewing a midwife

Birth Stories and Pictures

Birth In Hungary - Andrea Noll, from Hungary, is a strong childbirth activist, and midwife. Her site features video footage of her two births and some great childbirth-related articles.

A warm, loving outdoor waterbirth with pictures - I love this birth story with the pictures of the mother laughing as her baby is born outside in her hot tub on a sunny morning.  No interference from anyone, midwives calmly standing by and allowing the mother to do what her body leads her to do perfectly.

The Birth of Grey Forest Walt - this outdoor birth is accompanied by a narrative from the mother. Very moving, very powerful.

Birth Rite of Samuel Rune - the little brother to Grey Forest Walt is born - this time, it's an unassisted birth full of empowerment and strength. Like Grey's birth story, it has beautiful photographs!

Birth Stories from Childbirth.org This site has a fabulous collection of birth stories - everything from hospital births with epidurals to homebirths. Nicely categorized for those seeking a particular type of birth story.

Birth Stories - from a Dutch woman who lives here in the US, a treasury of birth stories to peruse! Easily categorized and summarized based on each birth.

Unassisted Childbirth Stories - beautiful birth stories told by women who have had unassisted births (births without a doctor or midwife present)

Mothering Magazine's Online Community – a diverse collection of birth stories, written by mothers, that range from unassisted births at home to planned cesarean sections.

Blissful Birth - a gorgeous birth set in  French hospital.  While the position isn't ideal for spontaneous,  normal birth - we aren't aware of why she chose this position or what the circumstances were.  Still, it seems that her providers are completely respectful and hands-off during pushing. 

 The Induction Epidemic

 
Induction of Labor -  A wise article by Henci Goer, filled with evidence-based research on the pros/cons of labor induction.

Cytotec: Dangerous Experiment or Panacea? Great article by midwife Ina May Gaskin on this drug being used to induce labor...with horrifying consequences.

Cytotec for Induction of Labor: A Cautionary Tale - A fabulous article by Marsden Wagner, MD

When is that Baby Due?  A solid, evidence-based article from researcher and author Henci Goer 

Problems and Hazards of Induction of Labor: This report, from the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, offers evidence-based research on the epidemic of routine inductions. They want to induce because of “gestational diabetes” or a “big baby”? Check the research here first!

Let the Baby Decide: The Case Against Labor Induction - “Actually, the percentage of babies born exactly on their predicted due date is so small it's a wonder we bother with due dates at all. It's perfectly normal for 80 percent of healthy babies to have anywhere from a 38- to 42-week gestation.32 Several generations ago, a physician might tell an expectant mother that she was due "sometime in late October or early November"; today, women are given a "precise" due date, often determined by ultrasound testing. Many instances of so-called postmaturity result from nothing more than an inaccurate due date.”

Labor Induction:  When a "big" Baby is Expected

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) Information and Support

VBAC.com - A woman-centered, evidence-based resource for women planning, considering or desiring a VBAC.  This site is comprehensive - for parents and professionals alike.

ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) - Current and comprehensive VBAC information, as well as a local support network directory. ICAN's mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).

VBAC Safety:  A closer look at the JAMA 2002 "study" - "Once again, newspaper articles claim that a study has shown that elective repeat cesarean is safer for babies than vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) (14). As with the July 2001 study, closer analysis reveals no such thing (6). What the new study really shows are the dangers of the first cesarean."

Summary of the Four Largest VBAC and Elective Repeat Cesareans

Email group for those planning a homebirth after a cesarean (HBAC)

A large and extensive collection of resources on the subject of VBAC

Birth Issues and Preparation

Honoring Body Wisdom - Perineal Protection? From Whom? An article that I wrote for Midwifery Today challenging common beliefs about hands-on second (pushing) stage

Get off your Back! Why vertical delivery is easier on you and your baby.

Are Midwives Failing Women? A necessary and timely article written by a dear friend of mine that examines what midwives can do (or cannot do) to truly be 'with woman'.

Why Wait to Clamp the Umbilical Cord? Research shows that there are many benefits to waiting until the placenta is delivered before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.

Unassisted Childbirth - Families choose unassisted birth (a homebirth without a  midwife, physician, etc.) for a variety of different reasons, but their passion and honesty are clear. This site offers a great start in researching unassisted birth and resources.

Dr. Sarah J. Buckley's site

The Shape of a Mother 

Hathor the Cow Goddess