Barbara, thanks for the references on induction. It also seems
to me that inductions are happening more frequently for all the
wrong reasons, doctor's schedule, mother's schedule, "may be too
big" at 7 lb.

When I talk about ultrasound and measuring baby size in my
childbirth classes, I always tell couples to ask technicians
and/or docs for the error bars of their findings. The baby
is 6.5 lb + or - what??? No ultrasouns is completely accurate.
The later in pregnancy you go, the less accurate it is with
regard to weight. Many parents have no idea that the results
are not accurate. If the error bars are 1 lb that means the
baby could be anywhere between 5.5 and 7.5 lb. That is very
different than saying the babyb is 6.5 lb.

There has been a great deal written in the philosophy/history/
sociology of birth about how powerful birth is and how non
birth givers (mostly men, but not exclusively) have tried
to control (and take over) this powerful and all important
process. The rise is C/sec rates a number of years ago was
seen that way by many observers. As the uproar about c/secs
caused people to re-examine them and the c/sec rates came
down, induction rates began to rise. Birth (and bf as well)
are frightening, powerful and empowering experiences. Everyone
wants to be part of that, one way or another. Studies of mythology,
folklore and history tell us that it's been that way for as long
as birth has been around.

The desire to be part of birth is not going away. How can we
include non-birth givers in this wonderful and powerful process in a
meaningful way without compromising the birth process  itself? (BF
is part of the birth process in my book.)

 Naomi Bar-Yam

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