Hi all!

I am loving the validation I receive through reading these posts on
childbirth experiences.  Sounds like many of us have come to these
conclusions and it is no wonder we find ourselves in this field of
lactation.  Whoever compared the "breast is best..." analogy (sorry, I can't
remember) to natural childbirth said it so well.  Have any of you read
either Silent Knife (by Cohen & Estner) or Open Season (by Cohen)?  They
really helped me work through these issues both personally and
professionally.  I think Nancy Cohen has a new book out - Birthquake?  If
so, can't wait to read it!

My most vivid memory of how deeply I was affected by a purebirth (3rd baby,
home birth after 2 very medical ones) was when I had to teach just one more
series for my former employer, a hospital.  I resigned during my leave of
absence but due to professional etiquette, would need to do just one last
series.  They allowed me to teach with my son in sling :) but I will never
forget how guilty I felt.  I really felt as though I was betraying those
moms & dads.  I *had* to teach certain subjects as required by the hospital,
not exactly what I wanted to say 8 weeks after a homebirth either!  The
classes were a "How to behave as a hospital patient" series, not a true
series on birthing at all.  I cried the whole way home after each class.  I
also found some bravery and said things for which I would have been fired
had I not already resigned:)  I do not mean to imply that all hospital
birthing classes are this way - I hope they aren't.  Oh well, it was a great
catalyst to a private practice though - not a financially lucrative venture,
but at least mentally fulfilling!

Debbie Shinskie, who also graduated from an LC course AND passed boards that
summer - what a high that year was!!!