Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Our Blog Has Moved
Be sure to let us know what you think of the new site!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
NWA Hospitals Adopt New VBAC Policies
Thursday, September 23, 2010
For Profit Hospitals Are Performing More C-Sections
An interesting new study has found that "for-profit hospitals in California are performing cesarean sections at higher rates than nonprofit hospitals.
A database compiled from state birthing records revealed that, all factors considered, women are at least 17 percent more likely to have a cesarean section at a for-profit hospital than at one that operates as a non-profit. A surgical birth can bring in twice the revenue of a vaginal delivery.
In addition, some hospitals appear to be performing more C-sections for non-medical reasons – including an individual doctor’s level of patience and the staffing schedules in maternity wards, according to interviews with health professionals."
Research has told us for some time now that your chance of ending up with a C-section has a lot to do with which doctor and hospital you choose. Yet women continue to choose their doctor based on who their insurance covers, and unfortunately, (and I hear this often) which hospital has the biggest, prettiest birthing suites. In fact, that's what the hospitals in NW Arkansas seem to promote most of all. A large sign on I-540 stood for some time marketing an area hospital as "the Beverly Hills of Birthing Centers." Really? Well, I hear they do a lot of surgery in Beverly Hills.
If you are really interested in the best birth for you and your baby, do your research. Not all doctors and hospitals are created equal. Ask what the c-section rate is when you are deciding where to go, then compare. You owe it to yourself. I have a pretty good feeling that California isn't the only place where money is made on unnecessary c-sections.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Living It Green Expo
One lady we met was a yoga instructor who told us about her amazing birth experience. At 9 cm she got an epidural and shortly thereafter learned that her baby was transverse (lying sideways instead of head down). Despite the fact that she had an epidural, and without the aid of a doula or midwife, she was able to get on her hands and knees to use yoga positions to turn her baby, thereby avoiding a c-section. Amazing! It's always great to get out into the community and talk to moms. You never know what stories you are going to hear!
KNWA Morning Show Highlights Pampered Mama Giveaway
Monday, August 31, 2009
All This Hard Work Calls For A Little Pampering
- Creating a cohesive birth community where members are supportive of each other and where mothers who need direction during their pregnancy and birth can find resources and support.
- Serving our professional members who have endorsed the MFCI.
- Reaching out to women "beyond the choir" in our community.
- Promoting the Birth Survey in our area so that women have a robust resource for comparing the quality of maternity care providers and the services they offer.