Toward a
Happy Birth?
Research
Notes on Medical and Natural Birth
compiled
by Al Pelowski
________________________________________________________________
Medical Birth
Process
Amniotomy
A
study of 1,300 births showed that artificial breaking of waters speeded up
delivery, but only by an insignificant few minutes.
Laughing Gas?
Pain
relieving drugs, opiates, barbiturates, nitrous oxide, etc., used repeatedly
during labour can lead to self-destructive behaviours later in the child's
life. See Michael Odent, Primal Health Research Centre,
Episiotomy
Routine
Episiotomy should be abandoned immediately according to an Argentinian Study,
in The Lancet, 25/12/93.
Caesarian
Section
A
study reported in BMJ, Aug 6, 94, suggests that the single most important
factor in reducing the need for Cesarean Section (and for pain-killing drugs)
during labour, was the presence in the room of a supportive person.
Interventionist
procedures such as administering Oxytocin to speed up labour, or breaking of
the waters (amniotomy), do not reduce the chances of C-section.
C-sections
have increased 5-fold over the past 20 years, with very little increase in
foetal survival rates. Doctors know that 80% of breeches can be delivered
vaginally, yet don't do it, despite the fact that vaginal birth is much safer
and gives more lively, healthy babies. See Pat Thomas, AIMS (the association
for Improvements in the Maternity Services), in WDDTY, v. 3 no.10.
Independent
Midwives in the
BMJ,
25/11/95.
|
Caesareans can harm mom, baby The
increased use of caesarean delivery in developing countries has been linked
to a greater risk of death and sickness for both mother and baby. Caesarean
rates have risen from about five percent in developed countries in the early
1970s to more than 50% in some nations today. In
poorer countries, there has also been a big rise, although the picture is
sketchy, particularly on the key question as to whether caesareans are
beneficial. Outcome
of caesarean delivery— Exploring
this, a team led by Jose Villar of a UN- and World Bank-backed programme
assessed the outcome of caesarean delivery in eight Latin American countries
-- They
randomly selected 120 public, private and social-security hospitals from 24
geographic regions where 97 000 babies were born, about a third of whom
were delivered by caesarean. More
deaths, antibiotics The
researchers found that in hospitals where there were higher rates of
caesareans, there were correspondingly higher rates of pre-term babies,
babies who died after birth, maternal death and use of antibiotics. "High
rates of caesarean delivery do not necessarily indicate good quality care or
services," the paper, published online by the British journal The
Lancet, says. Caesarean
delivery entails making an incision in the uterus to remove the baby, rather
than delivering it through the vagina. The
operation is often recommended in cases when the shape and size of the pelvis
makes a vaginal birth difficult; when there are multiple births; in cases of
foetal distress; or if the mother is ill or has dangerously high blood
pressure. Complex
reasons for surge in caesareans The
study says the surge in the number of caesareans in In
addition to the heightened risk, lots of money is being wasted on unnecessary
caesareans, the study suggests. A
rough estimate is that two million more children are being born in "These
large sums of money (spent on unneeded caesareans) could be used to improve
other areas of maternal and newborn care to pay for needed research," it
says. |
Clamping
and Cutting
The
common practise of clamping the cord immediately after birth, especially of premies,
increases the likelihood that supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions will
become necessary. Ideally, the cord
should be left attached and open until it shuts down naturally. It will
continue to pulse for several minutes, allowing a more gradual and easeful
birth, with less shock (hypovolaemia).
A
Glasgow Univ. Study of 33 premies reported in BMJ , 16 Jan. 93.
The
error of premature cord clamping was identified over 200 years ago.
“Another thing very injurious to the child
is the tying and cutting of the naval string too soon; which should always be
left till the child has not only repeatedly breathed but till all pulsation in
the cord ceases. As otherwise the child
is much weaker than it ought to be, a portion of the blood being left in the
placenta, which ought to have been in the child.”
~Erasmus
Darwin (Charles Darwin’s grandfather), Zoonomia, 1801
Epidurals
Epidural
anaesthesia during birth and for 'awake' surgery has been found to cause a high
incidence of long-term back pain in the mother. See studies in National
Childbirth Trust (NCT), Womens Experiences of Epidurals, 1987; in Anaesthesia,
1990, 45; and in BMJ, 7 July 90.
Forceps
follow epidurals...BMJ, 18/11/95.
In
labor, epidurals increase the need for oxytocin, instrumental delivery,
episiotomy, and bladder catheterization.
The first time mother is far more likely then to require a caesarian.
~Henri
Goer, Obstetric Myths versus Research Realities, Bergin & Garvey, 1995.
Scans
Frequent
Ultrasound Scans could reduce foetal growth by up to a third. They do not
improve the chances of a good birth. Teratology 39, 1989.
Another
study confirms the view that scanning should be restricted to high risk
pregnancies only. New Eng Jour of Med,
16/8/93.
Ultrasound
Scans can cause neurological changes. BMJ, 17/7/93
Scans
linked to baby deaths The Lancet, 28/11/92.
The
rates of miscarriage and birth defects are definitely related to VDU exposure.
The controversy goes on. See WDDTY, v.3 no.6.
Malnutrition
Many
different sorts of birth defects and growth problems can have roots in
mal-nutrition and deficiencies, not only in poor countries, but also in the
'West' where foods are far more likely to be stripped of vitamins and enzymes
in processing. Book 'recipes' and 'minimum daily requirements' are no reliable
guide. Always consult a holistic nutritional practitioner before embarking upon
unusual diets or supplements, and if possible well before conception.
A
large study of women in
Doses
as high as 600ug per day of Folic Acid are suggested in order to prevent spina
bifida and other closure defects. The Lancet 16 Jan 93.
There
may be companion deficiencies of Vit. B12. See the
Long-standing
Candida infection (‘thrush’) predisposes to B-vit deficiencies.
Inexpensive
Magnesium supplements are better at regulating the high blood pressure leading
to pre-eclampsia than any of the usual drugs. The Lancet, June 10, 95.
Women
in Zinc deficient areas should consider a supplement, which can help prevent
very low birth weight and premature babies.
Men
too should be aware of Zinc micro-deficiency which is highly correlated to poor
sperm quality and mobility.
As
always, Zinc needs to balance with other nutrients, e.g., copper and iron, and
should be part of an overall nutritional program.
High
dose Vitamins (especially Vits A & E), Strong Herbals, Injections, and
Drugs should all be avoided during and before pregnancy, as well as during
lactation.
Babies
given their mother's first 'milk,' the antibody and Vit K -rich colostrum need
not suffer the risks of Vit k deficiency (bleeding). Thus again to emphasise
the importance of breast feeding and especially the first few days and weeks
when the infant's immune system still has need of Mother's support. Successful
early feeding eliminates the need for Vit-K injections.
Prospective
mothers who have a history of taking fertility drugs, even the 'mildest' sort
such as clomiprene, have a 2x to 5x increased chance of children with neural
tube defects. Such women should be encouraged to get very good nutritional
advice as early as possible, and to consider natural alternatives to drugs.
Post
Disempowerment
leads to PND. See
A
high rate of Cesareans is also associated with PND. See Special Delivery,
winter 199.
Anti-Depressant
Drugs are never effective, and at best will only dull the brain, and have a
list of side-effects as long as your arm. See JAMA, Dec. 92 or GP, 17/7/92, for
the latest on A-D's and suicide.
Morning
Sickness
The
Am Jour Obstet Gynecol (Sept. 95) confirms what Naturopaths have known since
the 1940's, that appropriate Vit B6 supplementation can sometimes relieve the
nausea and vomiting of 'morning sickness.' The nutritional and/or energetic
reason for B6 deficiency should be investigated. The amino acid, Tryptophan,
and Vit B3, Niacin, are on the same metabolic pathway as B6. Good dream recall
can indicate adequate B6. The lively and topical dreams of pregnancy are
important as guides and releases. Cranial 'visceral unwinding' can also benefit
in cases of morning sickness, as can some homeopathic remedies and herbals.
Natural Birth
Process
Most
medical interventions in labour and birth are either unnecessary or downright
harmful to mother and/or baby. Liverpool University's consultant paediatrician,
Dr. Richard Cooke, at a recent conference said that many “standard' procedures,
such as breaking of the waters, foetal monitoring and the induction of labour conferred
little benefit and had some disadvantages.” In some hospitals well over half of
births were induced, he said, whereas the more proper rate would likely be
under 10%.
'The
main obstacle to home birth is our beliefs,' Michael Odent
The
definitive study of the relative safety of home births viz hospitalisation was
done in
Home
births are conducive to secure bonding, to privacy, and empowerment of the
mother in the situation.
The
critical factors are the relationships among mother/parents/partner, and the
Midwife or Doula, and the domestic situation.
Hospital
bugs are almost always more dangerous to babies than household bugs. The
Mother's immune system and colestrum will be adapted to domestic/local
pathogens. Many hospital bugs are novel and/or resistant to Antibiotics.
Whilst
it is every woman's right to choose a home birth, it is important to plan
early, to establish the all-important trust and knowledge with the midwife,
doctor and natural health practitioner. Few midwives and even fewer doctors are
enthusiastic about home births. And yet, enthusiasm brings the confidence and
patience required for an easeful birth.
Having
a Baby Without Drugs
There
are many precautions which couples can take to minimize the chances of needing
drugs and other medical intervention.
·
Nutritional, smoking and drinking problems
should be sorted out at least six months prior to conception.
·
The diet should be as whole and organic as
is possible, with plenty of raw fresh vegetables and fruits.
·
Supplements, if needed, should also be taken
early.
·
Infections, such as Chlamydia, Candida,
Herpes, E-coli, and Streptococcus need to be identified and treated.
Particularly the first two of these can present as chronic, sub-clinical
'syndromes' resulting in digestive and eliminative disorders, hypoglyceamia,
and allergies.
·
Herbal, homeopathic and naturopathic
measures will take time to encourage healing, and the earlier the prospective
parent starts the better.
·
The probability of conception increases with
awareness of ovulation and with very frequent love-making in the six days
around ovulation.
Notes from Suzanne Arms ‘Birthing the
Future’
9
out of 10 newborn babies who are subjected to a septic medical work-up have
mothers who had epidurals
A
‘typical’ hospital birth will involve at least 5 of the following procedures:
Denial of food & drink during
labour
Inserting an IV
Electronic foetal monitoring
Inducing or speeding up of labour
with artificial hormones
Giving narcotics or sedatives
Epidural or intraspinal anaesthetics
Rupturing membranes
Episiotomy
Forcepts or Ventouse
Separation from mother / cutting of
cord early / taking baby away immediately after delivery
3
decades of research show these interventions to be largely unnecessary and
always harmful in some measure—except of course in genuine emergencies
There
are safe ways to turn a breech, to start labour, to lessen pain, to shift a
posterior, to make contractions effective, and to prevent tearing and
haemorrhage:
Privacy
Low light
Emotional support throughout
Drinking, eating
Changing positions
Nipple stimulation and sexual play
Listening to music
Dancing, movement, yoga
Laughter
Singing / moaning
Visualisation
Aromatherapy / massage / shiatsu /
cranio-sacral
Homeopathic remedies / acupuncture
Herbals
Studies
show conclusively that the continuous presence of another woman during labour
Shortens first deliveries
Dramatically reduces requests or
needs for drugs and epidurals
Reduces Caesarians by up to 60%
“If
a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it..”
There
are 4 vital experiences a baby needs from its mother in order to trigger future
brain development to full potential:
Closely gazing at her face
Hearing the sound of her voice
Feeling the beating of her heart
Feeding at her breast
~Suzanne
Arms’ research citations are listed on the Video.