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More U.S. women dying in childbirth
Death rate highest in decades; obesity and C-sections may be the cause (thanks Shay!)

U.S. women are dying from childbirth at the highest rate in decades, new government figures show. Though the risk of death is very small, experts believe increasing maternal obesity and a jump in Caesarean sections are partly to blame.

First off, I totally forgot to tell you about this in time for Labor Day, but there is still time to see one: Birth on Labor Day

Birth is a play based on over one hundred interviews Karen Brody conducted with mothers across America who gave birth between 2000-2004. It tells the true stories of 8 women painting a portrait of how low-risk, educated women are giving birth in America today.

In the play we meet Jillian, a stay-at-home mother of four children, who always sees the humor in life, especially in her mixed-bag of birth experiences; and Beth, a 35-year-old successful, high-powered computer systems manager from New Jersey who confidently planned a cesarean.

We are introduced to Vanessa, a buyer for a major department store who never had a doubt that she wanted an epidural. We hear from Janet, a lesbian in her 40s, who despite her feminist background wanted a medicalized birth, fearing the safety of herself and the baby; and Lisa, an African-American who felt intimidated and used by her midwives and the medical system after her birth.

We get to know Sandy, who thought birth was “just one day,” but found out that having an emergency c-section on that day changed her world. We hear Natalie’s intimate story of physical betrayl; and Amanda, an athletic, confident stay-at-home mother who believed her birthing mantra–”My Body Rocks”–gave her the attitude she needed to give birth naturally in the hospital.

Moving between first-person monologues, some dialogue, and the voices these women heard on the day they gave birth, Birth confronts, what City Lights Theater Company has called, “The naked truth about childbirth in America.”

there’s still time to see it in Florida (thanks Shay!) BOLD in Florida

and in other birth news, coming at the end of this month is the GENTLE BIRTH CONFERENCE in Portland, Oregon. Which looks like a whole lot of fun…

Also, Iowa is having a Workshop to help midwives prepare for legislation (heaven help us, how many centuries does this sh*t have to go on? Enough with the persecution of midwives already!)

Dear Friends,

As you may be aware, midwifery is under attack in Iowa. Midwives in
our state face criminal investigation and prosecution for practicing
medicine without a license — a felony charge that carries a sentence
of up to five years in prison.

Many of you are familiar with Melanie Moore, a Certified Professional
Midwife and mother of six, who was recently charged. Her case is but
one example of this disturbing trend, and unless something is done, we
face the very real risk of losing this vital community of holistic
health care providers.

Midwives like Melanie have upheld the rights of Iowa women to have
safe home births for many years, under the constant threat of
unnecessary prosecution. With midwives practicing legally in 24
states, and legislation pending in 10 others, it is clear that Iowa?s
approach to midwifery is outmoded and ineffective.

Now is the time for supporters of childbirth options to come together
to preserve the rights of Iowans to give birth where and with whom
they choose.

Please join Friends of Iowa Midwives at a Preparing for Legislation
workshop to learn how you can help ensure that Iowa’s families have
access to safe home birth with legal midwives.

Workshop Details:
Date: September 22, 2007
Time: 9:00-5:00 (Check-in and registration 8:30-9:00)
Place: Saddlebrook Clubhouse, 120 Paddock Blvd., Iowa City
(Off Heinz Rd, south of Hwy 6 on the East side of Iowa City)

Registration fee: $15 (low-income $5)
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Topics:
The legislative process: how it works
Timeline for legislation: what to do and when to do it
Effectively presenting your point of view to your legislator
Organizing volunteers for lobbying
Writing a bill: what goes in and what stays out
Addressing concerns about your bill
Dealing with the opposition
Writing press releases and educational flyers

Presenter: Ida Darragh is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on
midwifery law. She is a Certified Professional Midwife and testing
director for the North American Registry of Midwives.

To Register: email
register@friendsofiowamidwives.org.
Please include your name, phone number, and mailing address.

For more information, please visit:
www.friendsofiowamidwives.org
www.cfmidwifery.org

Phew! that’s a lot to remember…enjoy!
Love,
Heather