In a message dated 12/2/03 11:20:22 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
My 13 year old daughter is in public school doing
her 8th grade health section.  She informed me that her health teacher told
them that giving birth was "like going to hell and back".
Dear Friends:
    Carol writes with concern about the messages that young women receive
about birth, and will write a letter to her daughter's teacher. This is a way to
improve the future for our young women.
    In the States today, the cesarean section rate is climbing towards 30%,
the national epidural rate is over 60% and the national induction/augmentation
rate is over 40%. Birth can be like a trip to 'hell and back' if it is
interfered with. This is the big problem with connecting the dots.
    People believe that birth is hellish when the fact is that routine
technology is hellish; birth has always been hard work that women are made to do.
    Breastfeeding becomes difficult as a result of routine technology. I
would love to see a national ad campaign promoting spontaneous birth in a loving
environment as a way to increase breastfeeding rates and reduce health care
costs.
    dreaming,
Nikki Lee RN, MS, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CIMI, CCE, craniosacral therapy
Adjunct faculty, Union Institute and University, Maternal and Child Health:
Lactation Consulting
Supporting the WHO Code and the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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