> I saw a documentary called "The Business of Being Born," which looks at
> the technology/business of being born in the U.S. and questions our
> current approach, which is actually resulting in a 33% caesarean
> rate...40% in some parts of New York.
>
> Now, these are insane numbers. Utterly insane. The U.S. is the only
> developed country with these kinds of numbers. The reasons behind it are
> mostly ideological (the whole birthing business has a very sad and
> horrific history in modern medicine).
>
> But what really confuses me is why the Insurance companies are putting
> up with it. I mean, not only do they have to pay more, but there are
> proven, workable alternatives.
>
> Any ideas? I do recommend the documentary. It's not super great, but
> it's good enough, to get you thinking. Netflix has it.
>
> Joanna
>
Some of the courses given by "Real Birth" in New York City are like a primer on how to avoid Cesarean intervention, what questions to ask, how to stick up for yourself, how to find a doula or midwife, etc.
Their website is here: http://www.realbirth.com/
Jerry