In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust

On her blog, a leading voice against the homebirth movement wrote about an instance where she screamed at an elderly woman and threatened to break her arm.

Does this sound like a doctor you would want assisting you in your time of pain, of need? Would you want a person like this to deliver your child, even lay hands on his fragile body? Does this seem like a lady who has respect for women, for their rights, for their choices? Would you want her in the birthing room with you, knowing how she treated this defenseless dame?

I surely would not, and while I should never have to worry about that being a homebirther, I feel sad for those still birthing in hospitals who will have to face such rude treatment or who in the past have birthed in the hospital and encountered such inappropriate behavior. This is the last thing that women in labor need to face.

I am thankful, at least, that this doctor is no longer practicing but am no less appalled by her confession. Despite admitting that it is easy to be disrespectful to patients, that hospitals promote this behavior, and that the medical community doesn't seem to condemn it, this particular doctor still has such malice towards those who chose to birth at home away from it.

How can birthing near people with these negative attitudes possibly be considered safe? The negative energy alone can have a devastating effect on the outcome of birth, and the stress of dealing with inhumane treatment (threats, insults, manipulation) certainly does not promote good health or a happy ending. Birth is much safer in a positive environment surrounded by loving, gentle supporters who have complete trust and respect for the mother who is delivering.

Amy Tutuer, MD, "Treat Me With Respect." Blogspot. URL: http://treatmewithrespect.blogspot.com/
Amy Tutuer, MD, "Homebirth Debate." Blogspot. URL: http://homebirthdebate.blogspot.com