Top 4 Childbirth Blogs for Midwives and Moms

Not surprisingly, midwives and moms enjoy reading some of the same blogs--or they would if they knew they existed. Both midwives and moms are interested in the safest way to birth little ones, have the best and most peaceful postpartum care for mom and baby, how to bond well with babies, and more. Below are the top four blogs that midwives and moms should read, no matter how and where they practice or plan to give birth.

Autonomous Birth. Written by Linda Hessel, a 40-something mother of four, this blog discusses the basics of birth and birth culture. Midwives will find great reminders here--reminding them of their job and calling. And mothers, whether new or seasoned, will find many eye-opening truths here about society's view of birth and what it really should be. Pull up a chair and listen, for some of what you hear will disturb you. Some will also empower you, and this is why this blog exists. Visit the Autonomous Birth blog at:
http://autonomousbirth.blogsome.com/

Midwife: Sage Femme, Hebamme, Comadrona, Partera. This is the blog of a midwife who fully and truly supports unhindered birth in all its forms. Whether it's unassisted childbirth, hands-off homebirth, or even a birth center or hospital birth, Pamela Heinz-Powell is, in her own words, a "Midwife with a passion for gentle, woman-led, non-interventive, unhindered birth." And you can see from her blog that she truly is! Visit Save Femme at:
http://sagefemme.blogspot.com/

Navelgazing Midwife. This is the blog of a well-known midwife named Barb Herrera. She's less "radical" than Sage Femme, but still compassionate, and wanting the best for moms and babies. She, however, does not support unassisted birth. You can read why in her blog, although others find her reasons invalid. You should read this blog, though, to see the differences between care providers--even those with the same name (midwives). Not all midwives are the same, just as all mothers, doctors, lawyers, etc. are not the same. Both midwives and mothers will benefit when they truly realize this. Visit Barb Herrera at:
http://observantmidwife.blogspot.com/

Letters from Laura. This blog belongs to Laura Shanley, a well-known and well-respected unassisted childbirth advocate who has had five unassisted births herself. You don't need to be a supporter of unassisted birth to learn much from her blog and associated website! Even if you're planning the most modern of hospital births, or you're a midwife who works in a hospital, Laura can teach you many things. These include who to make childbirth intimate and a family event if you choose, how birth can be pleasurable, and how unhindered births are no more dangerous than hospital births--and in many cases are less so. Visit Laura's blog at:
http://laurashanley.blogspot.com/

There are many, many more interesting and informative blogs out there that both midwives and mothers would enjoy and should spend some time reading. Sage Femme provides links to many, as do other bloggers listed here.

You should also take the time to visit the birth-related forums on Mothering.com. In no way do you have to embrace their ideas. What you do need to do is make informed decisions about your birth experiences, or realize how they could have been better, or what made them good in the first place. Truly informed decisions cannot be made by simply doing everything that is "standard procedure." Reading these blogs and forums will help you on your way to making informed birthing choices, or as a midwife, helping your clients stay informed, instead of just giving them standard options.