So, I was browsing the mothering.com website today and noticed a few items of interest in contained in the news links. Basically, what each of these issues come down to is the limited choices women and men can make when it comes to themselves and their families. Whether it be a simple means of expressing the beauty of life or how to bring that beauty into the world. Admit it, we live in a society that is predominately fueled by misogyny. What's even more disgusting is us women treat each other rather acrimoniously. A vicious feedback loop that is unfortunately self-perpetuated by FEAR. Anyhow, examples:
1. Youtube bans the below video, citing it as inappropriate and explicit Since when is feeding your child inappropriate?
The Great Breast Fest Montage from mothergoosemouse on Vimeo.
2. Black market for midwives defies bans (From the Chicago Tribune):
A few excerpts, but for the full article, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-midwives_bdnov25,1,398264.story?ctrack=2&cset=true
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - On the surface, nothing about last month's picture-perfect delivery of Linda Kerr seemed amiss.
Her mother needed no pain medication. The labor was quick. Excited family members gathered nearby to welcome the newborn into the world.
But in Missouri, where the Kerr baby was born in a carefully planned home birth, the experienced midwife hired to oversee the delivery was committing a Class C felony.
"Can you imagine that?" Jessica Kerr, the mother of the healthy newborn, asked incredulously. "I make the personal choice to have my baby at home, assisted by a midwife of my choosing, and that is illegal?" "
Utah legalized direct entry midwifery (home births attended by licensed midwives) in 2005. During the legislative session that occurred prior to Juniper's birth, a bill was introduced to repeal that law. Luckily, our very fair and enlightened mis-representatives did not get to this bill before session's end. In both cases (MO and UT), safety was cited as the primary concern. However, if you look at the data from both home births and hospital births, you will see that home births are safe,with a high degree of statistical significance. Not only does the raw data suggest that, so do a number of studies (if you would like the sources, let me know and I will post and/or email the material). Anyhow, wouldn't logic infer that since it is not an issue of safety, one should have a choice in the matter? I will mention that in Utah, if there is a high risk issue with the pregnancy, then a midwife will not take it on and will refer you to an ob/gyn or hospital. I am sure this logic translates across state lines.
Conclusion
Juniper came down with her first fever the other day. Since it was her first, and a bit on the high side, we decided to pay a visit to a recommended conventional doctor. He was very kind and gentle with little bug. In the course of our conversation, he asked about vaccinations (which is his job) and we replied that we are still researching all of our options and health risks associated with said options. He comes back with the 'fact' that he has had three babies die of whooping cough this year and so on. That may be the case (and there is risk involved whether or not a child is vaccinated), however, the tone in his voice suggested a tactic we know too well in this society...FEAR. It seems that this is a tool used to restrict choice. And this is embedded in each and everyone of us. That pisses this mamma off! How does one get around this? Fight the good fight: take initiative in your own life, do your research and make a well informed choice. No matter what it is, it will be your choice.
Check out these Links:
Moms RisingMothering
League of Maternal Justice
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