normally, labor would continue unim-
peded. Fighting this natural functioning
wastes a lot of energy.
Yet, a birthing mother can make
an instant change and release the
ecstatic hormones naturally, simply
through deep breathing, laughter and
even experiencing gratitude for those
helping her. All of this works best in an
atmosphere of privacy and calm.
Q. Will you explain what you refer
to as our country’s “big secret”
regarding childbirth?
There is a generally held belief that
childbirth is safe in the United States
while, in reality, we lack accurate re-
porting on this country’s rising mater-
nal death rate. The reports we do have,
based on long-term data compiled by
the Centers for Disease Control and a
later National Vital Statistics Re-
port, reveal a doubling of the annual
When you are a mother, you are never really alone
maternal fatalities tracked per 100,000
live births, from 7.5 in 1982 through
in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice,
1996 to 15.1 in 2005. Given suspected
once for herself and once for her child.
under-reporting due to misclassifica-
tion, some estimate that the number of
– Sophia Loren
deaths attributed to pregnancy and its
complications (which include Cesarean
births, or C-sections) may be as high as
three times that.
Q. What can families do to ensure
a more natural birthing process is
available to us and our daughters?
We need to do a lot of rethinking.
Americans believe that the more
technology we throw at problems, the
better. But, that is not necessarily true in
giving birth. We need to study why the
death rate is rising and take major steps
to turn it around. We need a national
system collecting data, more midwives,
a revolution in obstetrical education
and a national health-insurance system,
with better prenatal and postpartum
care for all women. Families must insist
on it. All of this is possible.
For more information visit InaMay.com
and consult a health care provider. Ina
May Gaskin’s latest book, Ina May’s
Guide to Breastfeeding, will be released
this fall.
Gail Condrick is a freelance writer in Sara-
sota, FL. Reach her at NiaVisions.com.
May 2009 21
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