Even though I'm an obstetrician, I have often felt that if we had good
national back up system, and/or a situation where birth centers were the
norm, we would see fewer complications and cesarean births.  Many years ago,
I knowingly gave prenatal care to women who I knew were going to be delivered
by a certain midwife at home.   I don't particularly favor lay midwives, but
this one was amazingly well-read, education, and experienced.  Although, I
never participated in a home delivery, I readily accepted these patients if
they had to be transferred to the hospital.  You know, of the thirty or so
that had to come in, none required a cesarean birth.

Childbirth is a natural process.  Intervention should occur only when
something abnormal is happening.  That's why I was only in the hospital for
20 minutes before my third and last child was born.  I stayed home as long as
possible.  I agree with you, Kathleen.......V. Nichols-Johnson, MD