Here's the infamous placenta print, framed and hung up in my bedroom. I found the frame at a garage sale for $1. I taped over the canvas and spray painted it satin black.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Someone loves me (not)
Thought you'd get a chuckle out of this person who was grossed out by home birth and placenta prints. She left a few nice comments (sarcastic cough) on my choice to name Zari and then wrote a about how she finds placenta prints gross on her own blog.
Here's the infamous placenta print, framed and hung up in my bedroom. I found the frame at a garage sale for $1. I taped over the canvas and spray painted it satin black.
Here's the infamous placenta print, framed and hung up in my bedroom. I found the frame at a garage sale for $1. I taped over the canvas and spray painted it satin black.
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I think it's so sad that women are that afraid of their own bodies. :(
ReplyDeleteShe has no clue... sad. Thanks for sharing the picture.
ReplyDeleteWow. That one is certainly a special snowflake looking for attention.
ReplyDeleteIf she didn't care, why take the time to leave snotty comments and steal your pictures?
Imagine what we could all accomplish is women didn't spend their time trying to make others feel like shit for their choices...
Won't even bother commenting on the incredibly immature comment left on your post about your child's NAME.
Sigh. Women piss me off somedays...
So, mostly this whole thing makes me feel bad, because I know I've said some things here and on my own blog that weren't very respectful about UC and those who practice it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't want to be associated in any way with such rudeness!!
I still don't think UC is right for me, and I still have trouble understanding everything that you (Rixa and others) do, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to read your blog and learn from and appreciate your birth experiences and parenting choices.
I (may) make very different choices in my own life and with my own kids, but it's hard for me to even express how much I admire your courage in sharing your own convictions and experiences with such wit, creativity, intelligence, and candor.
Jane,
ReplyDeleteI've never been at all miffed by what you've written about UC or other stuff. I'm totally cool if people don't agree with or even fully understand certain choices that I might make.
I dislike the sarcastic mockery that the woman used (not to mention the glaring logical fallacies). What makes me especially sad is that this woman is LDS, and she openly mocks another LDS woman who received personal revelation and Priesthood blessings during her birth.
I certainly did not even think of making a placenta print when my children were born but it certainly celebrates and acknowledges this incredible life sustaining organ.
ReplyDeleteAnother example of how some people get their kicks from slamming others for actions they don't agree with. What I find interesting is that she admits in the comment section of another person's blog that she has spread these two stories as far as she can. I think it is one thing to speak badly of someone you don't even know on your own turf, but it's even worse to spread your own prejudices as far as you can. Despicable! (of course, maybe I just did that myself. LOL)
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way, the picture is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI commend you for not only hanging, but also framing that placenta picture up! While homebirthing, my placenta somehow missed the bowl and so I was unable to paint with it...It breaks my heart to even think about it. You are truly an inspiration to all us "natural" women out there. Stay strong ladies...Stay Strong!
ReplyDeleteI love the placenta print. What a wonderful way to honor what our bodies do during pregnancy and birth.
ReplyDeletei guess i am a curious snowflake, i didnt know i was seeking the attention from you just like im sure you werent seeking the attention from me.
ReplyDeleteI do find it quite hilarious though that you are so appalled by my own opinions and that i am talking about how absurd homebirth is, when you are talking about me on your blog. Afterall you're the one who posted all of this up for others to look at it right? You didnt want people to talk about it? Its just funny to me. I really am sorry that i do not agree with you and that you feel like i am taking jabs at you, but you could say that youre doing the same to me. I hope, and im sure, that your child will grow up into a happy adult who loves her mother...and hey, maybe she will even publicize her own naked body for the world to see when she gives birth as well.
Just because i dont put nude pictures of myself on the internet doesnt mean i am afraid of my body. Thanks though.
Rixa,
ReplyDeleteI wondered about the LDS thing. Despite her un-Christian attitude, I guessed that she might be, and it is certainly sad that she would not see birth (wherever/however) as an event worthy of divine intervention/support.
Kelley (and Rixa),
I wouldn't be dismayed by this blogger's dissemination of these links and stories. When I first came across Rixa's site I was completely flabbergasted by just about every aspect of a "natural" lifestyle (esp. UC, EC, breastfeeding past toddlerhood, etc).
But I was hooked by the logical AND emotional rationale for such things that Rixa (and some others) are able to convey.
As I said, I still do most things differently that you-all do, but I have immense respect for you and am glad that you're sharing your knowledge and experience online.
Maybe one or two people who find your site through this blogger's campaign will also come to see things differently.
And even those who don't, if they are at all discerning of context, language, and personality, will notice a difference between the purpose behind your writing and the motivation behind hers.
I personally love the placenta print :)
ReplyDeleteI still have a couple placentas in my freezer. I intend to plant them with special trees when we finally own our own land.
I run the gamut of emotions when I read anti-homebirthing/UC opinions. Angry,sad,amused,bewildered,disgusted...
I try to respect where "they" are coming from but mostly I just wonder why they like to perpetuate ignorance and aren't more open-minded. I don't expect everyone to feel homebirthing is right for them but to bash a choice that worked perfectly for my family,ya know? just doesn't seem right.
i guess you can call me closed minded, but i just dont understand how someone could make that decision, to give birth without someone who has medical training...it just doesnt seem worth the risk to me if something went wrong. Not to mention the clean up that would be involved. I guess i just cannot grasp the concept, and i dont mean to be disrespectful, but i just dont and probably will never understand it.
ReplyDeleteJust because i could probably make a plaster cast for a broken arm at home, doesnt mean that its smart or that i would if i had the option of a doctor. Is it so outrageous to understand where i am coming from?
I'd be interested to see the nasty comments that she deleted after leaving them. Something to be ashamed of my dear?
ReplyDeleteYou must be mistaken because i didnt delete any comments that i made.
ReplyDeleteI dont have a problem with any of you questioning my opinion, if i wanted to hide and not share my thoughts i wouldnt have posted that blog about homebirths that i did. It really seriously bothers me, and i truly do feel like it is unsanitary and quite frankly, very strange and odd.
I guess im just a modern lady, huh?
How funny to glorify doctors and all-things-medical. Birth is a normal physiological process. It's not messy, gross or weird. When this person grows up and is a cold hospital for her first birth and the doctor, wanting to get in a quick round of golf later that day says "We'll need to put you on Pitocin," she'll say "okay." Then at 4pm, when he wants to get out of there and says "We'll need to do a c-section to save the baby," she'll say "okay." And she'll miss out on THE most incredible, transformative events in a woman's life. I hope not for her sake and for her future baby's sake. If she would ever lower herself to having kids.
ReplyDeleteSome people forget that we are all mammals. When you look at life critically, that what it comes down to. These souls of ours live in mammalian bodies. Stay humble.
Shauna, with all due respect, I think you are comparing apples to oranges. A broken arm is a problem... a medical condition that in just about every instance needs and calls for medical attention. Birth is not broken. Birth is a normal, physiologic process.
ReplyDeleteI think what made me the saddest is that you are a LDS woman and you openly mocked another's choice to follow the inspiration that is her God-given right and privilege. Parents have the absolute right to receive revelation on behalf of their children. So while she WAS indeed bringing another human being into the mix, it was a human for which she has the right to receive revelation. What may be wrong for one person may be firmly correct for another and she was following God's will. And you mocked that.
You absolutely and most definitely have the right to your own opinions, but I am saddened that you chose to mock something so sacred.
I believe everyone should follow their own inspiration. If you feel inspired to birth in a hospital, then by all means, that's what you should do. She felt inspired to birth at home. She was following the wisdom she received.
As LDS people, we endure a lot of queries and comments, many of which are filled with incorrect information based on rumors or stories that float around the community. I saddened and embarrassed by your comments and I hope that others don't associate the rest of us with some of your distasteful comments.
lower myself to have kids? you have GOT to be kidding me.
ReplyDeleteNo I don't think your modern at all. I think its sad that you feel the need to laugh like some middle school girl with your friends about something you can/will never understand because you don't want to enlighten yourself. Having an opinion is one thing, but having one when you haven't even done any homework is sad.
ReplyDeleteMore babies die in the US than in any other countries. I'm sure people in Europe would have lots of fun with your ignorance about birth.
Did she actually even read your blog or just read that one post and then judge you without knowing how much time, energy, research etc. you put into welcoming your baby into a safe, loving environment? I admit it too that I thought it was a scary and crazy thing to do- to have your child at home unassisted- but the more I have read your blog the more I see that you did know what you were doing and that you never would have done anything to endanger your baby. I agree with Jane that UC is not for me, but I also believe that women have the right to choose whatever kind of birthing experience they want without being judged or ostracized for their choice.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't even know what to say about her comments on your personal revelation. The beauty of personal revelation is the fact that it's personal. Shame on her.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful placenta prints. I regret that I did not know to do that.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the story behind your daughter's name.
Denise
you all are a bunch of hippies.
ReplyDeleteyour children are going to grow up to resent you.
Knowledge is power- those that are confident in their ability to birth their children naturally experience a transformation that is theirs alone. I am sad for the women that do not have the knowledge, confidence and peace of natural birth- their transformation to Motherhood is incomplete, I believe- the doctors, nurses and medical equipment is made out to be more important than the woman and her rite of passage into Motherhood. I would hope that instead of hiding behind her ignorance, that this gal would choose to have an open mind and explore that which she knows so little about. I would also hope that a change could happen in her heart, that she would see how hurtful, judgemental and wrong comments like these are. Instead of defending herself, she should be forthcoming with an apology for attacking those that she does not even know. Instead of attacking, how about asking for more knowledge, if you truly want to know and try to understand?
ReplyDeleteThis is just more encouragement for me to share my knowledge and experience- if even to positively affect one other, it would be the world of difference to the child being born.
Rixa- your Placenta picture is beautiful! I wish I'd have thought to do that with mine before we turned it into capsules (which I then took daily to help heal and balance- how's that for crazy!)
Thanks for putting yourself out there for the wolves to devour. Although I hope that they are the minority of your readers.
it is crazy. i peresonally think that shauna has it pretty accurate. and how dare someone say that just because they may have used assistance medically in their labor that they arent true mothers.
ReplyDeleteYou guys arent the elite of the elite, we are all equal and it is hurtful to me that you would even try to imply that i am not a mother because i used a doctor in the hospital to deliver my child.
I dont think she meant that she is right, but i think thats her opinion and you all have your own and as an army are attacking her on her own blog. I think she is entitled to her opinions and you cannot say she is uneducated because she doesnt believe the same things you do. You are accusing someone of not being Christian, when you are not being Christian yourselves.
and thats what i think is sad.
Okay everyone, let's take a deep breath and follow some basic rules: respectful debate & discussion are good. Personal attacks or mean/sarcastic comments are not so good. Anyway let's all try to talk rationally about these issues. Such as:
ReplyDelete"The Mess": for you home birthers, what was it like? If you've done both home and hospital, please compare and contrast.
My own "Mess" consisted of throwing a load of towels in the wash and wiping a few small drops of blood off the floor. Voila! Mess contained by my fabulous husband.
Let's keep the discussion civil and intelligent, please.
"and how dare someone say that just because they may have used assistance medically in their labor that they arent true mothers.
ReplyDeleteYou guys arent the elite of the elite, we are all equal and it is hurtful to me that you would even try to imply that i am not a mother because i used a doctor in the hospital to deliver my child."
Anonymous, I'm wondering who you are directing this to. I went back and read the comments again and maybe I missed it (sorry if I did) but I didn't see anywhere where anyone made the suggestion that the use of technology = not being a mother. I'm sorry if you felt that way. If it was something I said, I do apologize. I would never, ever, in a million years suggest that someone is not a mother just because they used modern technological advances. That's ridiculous.
After reading what you wrote, I was surprised you didn't take offense at somebody making fun of your blog (and Heather's). But then I clicked the link and read her post... Ha Ha! I am not offended at all. What a stupid ignorant person, it's not even worth the energy to correct her! But it makes me think twice before posting something to delicate and sacred online for all swine to look at. :(
ReplyDeletethe print looks really gorgeous rixa! i have to remember to do one when i have a baby.
ReplyDeleteand yeah...people need to chill the you know what out. her blog post is ridiculous. agreed with jen.b.in.az, more women need to stop being so afraid.
and zari's name is beautiful anyway.
dont even start talking about peoples intelligence and calling them swine. thats just ridiculous.
ReplyDeletepeople can have their opinions about home birthers, thats fine. Let them. But you are just making yourself look uneducated and rude if you call someone swine. We are all children of God. We need to remember that.
Thanks Rixa for mediating a little, i think this crowd needs it a little more.
And maybe lets not sit around on these blogs bantering back and forth. its embarrasing and quite sad.
perhaps some people should do some serious research on homebirth and outcomes (especially in contrast to hosp. birth) before they make completely false statements... opinions based on fear and hegemonic values are kind of a waste of time. just saying. ;)
ReplyDeletei too, read your blog, and now i read hers, and i find the difference in opinion from two different LDS women rather hilarious and entertaining. Isn't it great that we are all free to choose whatever we want? That some can post pictures of their sacred birth (although i would never do that) and others can have opinions of a public blog that they might come across. I think its sad that you are berating this woman who has her own opinions.
ReplyDeleteYou can think shes immature, and im sure she probably things the same of you all. And you may not like her post, but the rest of her blog is pretty hilarious and i think i'll stick around!
Okay first and foremost I would like to address a recurring statistic that keeps showing up in the argument for UC. "More babies die in the US than in any other country" I have no problem with evidence and in fact I support it, but if you are going to do research please let it be good research. According to the CIA factbook the U.S. is somewhere in the middle for infant mortality rate. Beating Spain, France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom. Also according to Jack Turman, Jr., PhD Founder and Director of the Center for Premature Infant Health and Development at the USC Keck School of Medicine and the National Vital Statistics Report the #1 cause of infant mortality is not hospital or not hospital birth, but low birth weights and pre-term births. While I respect your rights to have an UC I disagree and hope that my future wife will have our future children in a hospital.
ReplyDeleteIn 1965, 7% of live births were preterm, birth data from 2002 reveal that 12.1% approx 484,254 infants) of live births were the result of preterm delivery. A combination of pharmacological agents and advanced neonatal technology has dramatically improved preterm infant survival rates (11.6% for birth weights les than 500 g, 50.7% for birth weights of 500-749 g, 83.9% for birth weights of 750-1000 g) resulting in an ever increasing number of preterm infants surviving into adulthood.
I believe that this is one reason why women choose to have their children in hospitals. I know that I would not have 4 of my nieces and nephews if it wasn't for competent trained medical personnel. Do what you want and more power to you, but I just thought we could use a little more evidence in this discussion.
Wow... It's unbelievable what all of this turned into !
ReplyDeleteI think the print is beautiful, as well as your entire natural birth story. I hope, that when I am ready to have a baby, I can be as courageous and confident in myself and my body as you are.
Hey Shauna (assuming you're still reading comments)... I totally said the wrong thing when I posted earlier. Instead of "having kids," I should have said "giving birth." As in your commentary indicates that you consider yourself above the rawness of giving birth. But I would hazard a guess that most women are fairly oblivious in our culture. I would have laughed and said "ewww" to my friends ten years ago, too.
ReplyDeleteHere's the deal. When you're actually pregnant and you start looking at how 31% of all babies end up being cut out of their moms (the rate is about 4% in midwifery practices), it makes you wonder why all of these hospital births go wrong. Some women want to know what other options are out there, but where do we look? I am really glad that I was able to see videos of women having water births online because I had nothing else to envision. The media shows such crazy, ridiculous birth scenes. So yeah, when you're young and not pregnant, it might be giggle worthy to see boobies and someone's lady-business out there for the world.
The good thing about all of this drama is that, in the future, at least a few of your readers will remember that there is something different than doctors forcing women to check their rights to birth normally at the hospital door.
Placentae are freaking cool, btw. Kind of gross and beautiful at the same time. To me, anyway.
Sorry for the miswording in my earlier comment. Came out wrong.
Can't remember where I found your site from but let me just say that I am awed and amazed by the beauty that I see here.
ReplyDeleteThe print is beautiful and I hope to one day have my own. :) Thank you for sharing!
All this drama over a placenta! My goodness!
ReplyDeleteI think the print is beautiful, I love how you made it into a flower. What a lovely piece of art to have in your home!
This is the comment I left on Shauna's blog. In case you're interested in my 2 cents ;)
ReplyDelete*********************
HI Shauna,
Well, I have a lot to say and I hope it comes across as calmly as I am feeling while writing.
First of all, your original post cracked me up. I can see your shock coming through. I understand that homebirth is totally not in your frame of reality.
But I kind of liken this to the gospel. A lot of people before hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, are kind of shocked that LDS people don't drink, obey the Sabbath, etc... But then, when they actually speak with a missionary or learn more they are touched.
I remember when I first heard about homebirth, (I wasn't grossed out like you,) but I was very surprised!
Then I studied, and pondered and prayed, and I had a witness of the spirit that I should homebirth my third child. I have given birth unassisted 4 times now. (They have all been born safely and you can see a photo of them on my blog. They are very normal looking! :)
check out their blog and you'll see how adorable they are
http://acoupleofgoofballs.blogspot.com)
The other thing that grossed you out was someone getting in the tub with a laboring mom. Not every homebirth or waterbirth that takes place does so with others in the pool. My husband did not get in with me for the same reason that you wouldn't.
As for the mess of homebirth, it is really not that messy. You just wrap up a big pad or towel and throw it away. At all of my births there has been very LITTLE blood.
You were also grossed out by the photos. NOT EVERY homebirther or unassisted birther believes in displaying their photos on the internet. I actually have written several posts on my blog hoping to disuade Christian women, especially LDS women, from following this trend. http://spiritledbirth.blogspot.com
I believe that birth photos are very educational, but I think they can be done carefully without explicit nudity.
As for the placenta print, I have never heard of such a thing myself. I find it a rather interesting idea though. I might consider it myself....
I would also like to share with you that I believe that there is much in the scriptures that applies to birth, particularly to natural birth and breastfeeding, so much so that I have begun writing a book on the subject.
Although it still needs editing and revising, it is available for free on my website. It is titled,
Christ-Centered Childbirth: Applying Principles of the Gospel to Chidbearing.
http://spiritledbirth.webs.com/mybook.htm
P.S
ReplyDeleteIf anyone wants to read my thoughts about birth nudity you can go to this page on my blog
http://spiritledbirth.blogspot.com/search/label/Modesty
I am wondering if any of you have tried consuming the placentae... I grew up on a dairy farm in Nebraska where homebirthing has been our only way to go for generations now...I was educated about the eating of the placentae after I married Zedachia. Homebirthing has also been in his line for decades. We just homebirthed our 14th child in January. It was a beautiful experience for which all other 13 children were present. There is no better feeling than becoming one with your 14 children, husband, and well the placenta also. Over the course of the 13 other children...we have always eaten the placenta, however after this 14th one, we decided to plant the placentae in a special garden we call "Afterbirth." I am now pregnant with our 15th & 16th children...TWINS :) I admire all you other homebirthers out there and tell you to keep on keeping on!
ReplyDeleteNow did she see your placenta print before she flamed you? Cause I think the stem idea is hysterical. And the frame is nice too.
ReplyDeleteI think we should start offering placenta prints at the hospital. I think they would be a big hit.
Rixa:
ReplyDeleteYou often refer to LDS women. What is that? Later day Saints? I come from the Northeast and nobody has refered to themselves at LDS. Wiccan is a new one coming up a lot but not LDS. So if you could point me into a good informative site, I would appreciate that.
Yikes, Rixa! Never know which posts will get the crazy comments!
ReplyDeleteI think your placenta print is cool and I do not think giving birth is akin to breaking your arm. Birth in itself is not an injurious event or in any way necessarily connected with morbidity or pathology or really for that matter, hippies.
The people who think birth is intrinsically something that needs fixing, akin to setting a bone, would definately be the ones who should be in the hospital. but for many many others, they see it as a natural climax to the conception, and one in which our bodies were perfectly made to complete. Obviously this is what happened to you, Rixa, with your birth of Zari, something that you clearly did a ton of reasearch on and nothing even close to setting one's own bone was performed.
I must laugh at the people who act like hospital birth is some wonderland of safety and goodness. If it was, the debate would be different, more about personal choice, etc. But so many of us know exactly the vortex of danger and travesty that checking ourselves into the big H can bring to our lives, our bodies, our futures and have become very, VERY educated and wary of "choosing" that RADICAL avenue for our selves and our babies.
Wow, Rixa. Wow. I can't even read all these comments because I feel sick to my stomach. I just visited Shauna's blog and that's where my nausea started. I guess stupidity makes me feel sick, who knew?
ReplyDeleteIt was wrong of her to post your picture without your permission, especially after you expressly asked her to take it down. I thought about leaving a comment on her blog, but I was so heated by the time I read through the others that I figured I should skip it. What would be the point, anyway? Those people obviously feel that they are right, don't want to engage in a dialogue, just want to criticize women they feel are freaks. So, so sad that women do this to each other.
Anyway, I think the print is lovely, especially all framed up!
ya know what. our placenta is still in our freezer waiting to be buried.
ReplyDelete*gets idea forming*
are you kidding me Mommymichael? *my* placenta is still in the freezer too! I might as well bury it during our upcoming 1st birthday garden party, and plant something nice over it. Rixa, the print is awesome. You're really lucky, you know? We made one with mine and it didn't look like anything. It went in the garbage with some blood-soaked postpartum pads (there! that's gross for y'all. My pleasure to set the record straight.) What's all the big brouhaha anyway, none of this is worth the unkind words that have been exchanged in the process. I left a comment on Shauna's blog too, and in closing I said: Ladies, may a little bit of nudity and a nice big bloody placenta be your biggest troubles when you're giving birth. I guarantee you will be on cloud nine.
ReplyDeleteWow, what would she say if she knew I was EATING my placenta in capsule form???
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to see this kind of knee-jerk ignorance because that's how so many young people think. It's too bad she won't know the incredibly joy and sanctity of a homebirth. I adored mine.
Okay y'all, did you not read my request to keep things civil and avoid personal attacks? Name calling isn't doing anyone any good here.
ReplyDeleteLet's keep Judit's comment in mind:
"What's all the big brouhaha anyway, none of this is worth the unkind words that have been exchanged in the process....Ladies, may a little bit of nudity and a nice big bloody placenta be your biggest troubles when you're giving birth. I guarantee you will be on cloud nine."
someone on my blog commented and i 100% agree with him....
ReplyDelete"A placenta is not a god to be worshiped for its life-giving power. It's just biology. The real miracle is the baby. Cherish the baby, not the placenta and it's supernatural powers to create a painting of a rose"
So i was just bored and blog hopping when i came across all this.....i don't know rixa, i don't know shauna....i don't actually know any of these people, but i thought i'd give an opinion from an outsider (outsider meaning i'm not bias) point of view. I saw that Shauna wrote this in a comment on her blog:
ReplyDelete"And if it is so sacred to you, dont publicize it in a paragraph above a picture of your naked chest, and a sentance about your sterilized meat scissors, i mean COME ON."
i agree %100. All the the home birthing mothers are talking about how sacred it is to them....then why are there pictures posted on the internet of this sacred experience? And then there was also a comment left by trudith that says:
"I was raised to know that Heavenly Father has blessed me with the body that I have, but to also take care of it and to treat it as I would a temple. There is a reason why we don't publically post everything about the temple on the internet. And, just like a temple, our bodies are also sacred. I was also raised to know that nudity and/or sex are not a bad thing at all, when used correctly.... It bothers me that the church is constantly being brought into this blog spat...The original post was simply in regards to homebirth and naked images on the public internet. I mean, it simple when you stop and think about it...You don't see naked people on the pages of the Ensign do you?!?"
i also agree with her %100. The Temple is a sacred place and we aren't posting the stuff that goes on in it all over the internet because, well, it's SACRED.
Bottom line-- if it's so sacred to you, don't post it on the internet where everyone can see.
ps. i have never EVER seen a placenta print and i have never even heard of ANYONE saving them to make a print. I'm not dogging on anyone who has done this....or wants to, but lets just say i'm going to stick to the regular hand and foot prints for my baby.
pps. AMEN to Shaunas comment above mine.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteI cant believe that this woman would post pornographic pictures of herself and also talk about something so sacred as priesthood blessings at the same time- and think that that is okay?! Please remove the link to LDS.org so that people don't think that this is another weird thing Mormons believe in. No wonder people ask ridiculous questions like "are Mormons allowed to dance?" and "And do you have two moms?"... stories like this make people think we live in the dark ages. We are blessed to live in a time of technology. I haven't heard one reason why a home birth benefits the child? Instead its "empowering" and "inspirational". It just sounds selfish to me.
This is silly!
ReplyDeleteRixa- just keep on inspiring the rest of us that are interested in what you are doing.
Natalie
should that be:
ReplyDeletethe rest of us WHO are interested...?
Let's break it down.....
ReplyDeletei think what Shauna is getting at is not that she is saying these women are bad people for doing this, but if you are going to call this sacred....don't post it so everyone can see.
Everyone is going to have their opinions on if it's right or wrong or safe or unsafe or whatever.... everyone is entitled to their own opnion. I just see this going back and forth back and forth...NO ONE IS GOING TO BE RIGHT. The bottom line is: Don't post nude pictures of yourself and not expect anyone to say anything about them.
Rixa, that is fine that you are an inspiration to women who want to participated in home birthing, but i don't see how you don't agree that there shouldn't be pictures of it posted on the internet for people to see. Take the pictures (if you want) and show them to those you care about and want to share that experience with....not the whole world. It's not something the whole world needs to see. It is a sacred thing, keep it sacred.
you are all psychos!
ReplyDelete"Take the pictures (if you want) and show them to those you care about and want to share that experience with." Precisely. This is indeed what home birth blogs are about. We care about women who are exploring a more family-centered way of bringing their children into the world; we share our experience with them on our blogs.
ReplyDeleteSomeone chided Rixa to focus on the baby instead of the placenta! That commenter obviously doesn't know Rixa. Homebirthing parents cherish the opportunity to be able to give far more undivided, constant, and intimate attention to their newborns than they would be in a hospital. This is one reason why we decide to stay home in the first place.
Lastly, I don't find it very practical to tell anyone to live out her life worrying about hypothetical strangers' imagined prejudices and preconceptions about Mormons?! Judgmental people will be judgmental no matter what any of us do.
Sounds like someone is afraid of natural childbirth to me. Having a preference for a hospital birth is one thing, but calling homebirthers "pioneer women" is just hysterical.
ReplyDeleteJUDIT!!! I still have Zoe's placenta in our deep freeze and she is nearing 2 1/2!! and I'm pregnant again! Gonna dry and powder mine for menopause. women in my family are notorious for early onset so it shall come in handy!
ReplyDeleteI think your placenta pictures are great. We didn't make prints, though now I wish I had- yours came out so great! I guess we could thaw our placenta and see if we can make a print- we're saving it until we find a good place to bury it.
ReplyDeletewhat difference does it make to the baby if they are, as you home birthers say "cut out" of the mother.......none at all, and i might add if you have never had a baby "cut out" of you before, how do you know that its so bad.
ReplyDeletePatrick Family: the stats of recovery, the stories from mothers who are sad over their children being cut out of them, the homebirth stories of women who HBAC, the stats regarding the trauma that happens to the uterus and other muscles after a cesarean, the evidence of trauma to children after being cut out (cut faces, limbs, etc...) I'd say that's enough to know that having a baby cut out of you is something that should be avoided unless 100% necessary.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Shauna’s and I find her hilarious. That said, I’m sure you want to stop reading what I have to say already. In the hopes of persuading you to keep reading I can honestly say this: I think home births are great. I think it is important for women to understand that they do have options when it comes to giving birth. I believe in breastfeeding IN PUBLIC while trying to respect others around me. At Jane’s birth, I thought the placenta was really cool and I was proud that it was “big and healthy.” And I was not at all grossed out by the nude photos of the homebirth. Do I have your attention? I hope so, because I would like it if you would listen to my humble opinion. Although I personally was not grossed out or bothered by seeing birth pictures, I personally feel that our bodies are more sacred than plastering pictures of them on the internet, even if they are not sexual in nature. But, that is a completely personal choice, so it’s fine that that lady did. But you shouldn’t be surprised that others are going to find it odd and yes, even talk about it in their funny blogs.
In regards to home births, I support you 100% so long as there is a trained and educated midwife in attendance. You can ask her to be as hands off as you would like her to be, but he/she should be there. You may say that it is a woman’s personal choice to do a UC birth. Others say that it is a woman’s personal choice to have an abortion. I personally wish that both were illegal and I oppose both for many of the same reasons. Because I believe in the rights of the fetus child I completely disagree with the woman being able to decide to terminate her pregnancy. Similarly, because I feel the fetus child has rights of it’s own I don’t believe that a mother should choose to do a UC birth for her own personal gain: empowerment, a beautiful experience, or just to be the coolest, chicest, hippiest lady in your ward, at the expense of her child’s safety. Please, stop sharing statistics about home births. Those statistics include midwifes. After researching ACTUAL studies and statistics I think it is fair to say that hospital births are anywhere from as safe to 2x safer than midwife attended home births. (Keep in mind that almost all high risk cases that have a greater likelihood of death upon delivery are going to be born in hospitals so that is already a statistical disadvantage). That said, if anyone has actual concrete statistical evidence about true UC birth I would love to hear it. I don’t understand the appeal (other than the ones I already listed such as being the hippiest of all your hippie friends) of having a UC birth vs. a mid-wife birth in the home. I CAN however understand why you would choose to have a midwife birth vs. a hospital birth and I completely respect that decision. I do feel that respect is lacking from MANY, MANY of the comments that are pro-home birth. There is a sickening, over-all and in general feeling coming from MANY of your comments that suggest that women who choose to give birth in a hospital are sad cases that will never truly understand the beauty of birth. Let me try to explain to you why many women, even after getting informed on the subject would choose to have a hospital birth over a UC birth: At the end of the day I could live with having received unnecessary pitocin, pushing while laying on my back, and I could even live with the fact that my doctor decided to give me a C-Section so that he could get to his golf game on time but I could NEVER, EVER live with myself if I had to hold my newborn baby in my arms as it died while waiting for EMT’s to arrive. Does that logic somehow make me someone that will never understand the beautiful rite of passage of becoming a mother? I don’t think so.
As I already mentioned I wish that UC births were illegal. I’m sure that seems harsh to many, so luckily for you, it is your choice to do so. I also wish that those who had a UC birth would not share it with others because I think it can influence people negatively. Mothers may see your stories and think, “it worked for her, it will work for me.” That is obviously a logical fallacy and a dangerous one at that. The more women you influence to have UC births the more likely it is that one will result in a tragic ending that could’ve been prevented with a mid-wife in attendance.
Another objection I have to your overall condescending attitudes that come through in comment after comment is that there are many women who will legitimately need medical intervention at the time of their child’s birth. Having been influenced by the attitude that is present in many of your comments that woman is bound to feel that her birth was a waste, was a disappointment, and that in some way it didn’t really count. That would be a tragic shame, yet that is what many of your comments allude to. What I learned in my experience of giving birth was that the mother should focus less on herself and trying to achieve the most fulfilling and spiritual birth experience for herself, and devote all of her focus to who’s birth it truly is, the child’s. So many of you say “my birth” when really it was your child’s birth. It’s just interesting.
So, if there are any women out there looking at their options remember that if you are low-risk and comfortable a mid-wife home birth may be a great option, but the hospital is another great option if you would feel more comfortable with that. And you should not feel less of a mother if you and your child end up needing medical intervention for your safety, or even if you decide to have an epidural. Birth is a beautiful, wonderful, life-changing experience and home-birthers don’t have a monopoly on that!
i didnt give birth in a hospital, or in a home. i gave birth in a cattle stall. Just like mother marry.
ReplyDeleteit was like this
www.orgasmicbirth.com
tasha, how do you know if these c-sections that are performed are 100% nessecary or not? unless you are the doctor that is ordering the c-section you don't. i have had 2 c-sections and i just feel like all of these comments somehow elude to the fact that i had less of a wonderful experience because my baby was "cut out" of me. I'm sorry but i think its just sad that someone would feel like they missed out on birth because they needed a c-section. lets remember here the important part about birth is the actual child that you are bringing into the world, not the way they came into the world.
ReplyDeleteWell, actually, Patrick family, please let's remember that they are both (baby and way of birth) very very important. Birth is how they come into this word *though our bodies*. If for no other reason, then just because many of us good, caring and thoughtful mothers feel this way, and we deserve as much recognition. I understand and believe you when you say it wasn't important to you. Please understand and accept that I am one who is different in this respect. I would never sacrifice my baby to avoid medical procedures, but if my baby can be born safely without said procedures, I do have a STRONG preference to forego them.
ReplyDeleteMatt etc., I am glad you added your preface and it did help me read the rest because you distinguished yourself from the dismissive, intolerant, kneejerk jabber that I admit I have learned to tune out over the years. Thank you for considering our point of view as carefully as you have. Your thoughts are reasonable and absolutely consistent, and I respect them. I totally understand how the 'dead newborn at home' scenario obliges you to choose medical caregivers who may not provide you with optimal care. I've struggled a lot with the same and I have empathy for anyone who comes to your conclusion, which has my utmost respect.
judit-the way the women choses to give birth is not important if the baby comes out healthy. Lets just remember it is not about us! Of course I wouldn't chose to have c-sections, but it is in my babies best intrest, period and that doesn't make me less of a women and it doesn't make the experience any less spiritual, exciting and wonderful. i hope any of you never have to have any medical intervention because I wouldn't want you to have issues for the rest of your life, feeling like you were inadequate to give birth and less of an experience, that is just ridicuous!
ReplyDeleteYou know. you so-called "mainstream parents" always whine and carry on and on about how judgemental the "crunchy" parents are, how we go on and on about how we think we are "better than everyone else, boohoohoo", but from what I have seen, you people are WAY worse in the category of judging others than the crunchy people are!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to be treated with respect, maybe you should learn to give a little of it yourself. Instead of ridiculing something simply because you do not understand.
Judit....what happens if you're delivering your baby at home and gosh forbid an unexpected complication comes along?!? Then what??? Do you have your husband jump up and dial 911, hope that traffic isn't busy and pray that the paramedics (whom I'm sure homebirthers believe are also under qualified) make it there in enough time to check out the infant, load it up and make it back through the traffic and into a hospital in hopes of saving it's life.... And, let's just assume the baby makes it to the hospital...Do you then give the doctors (aka baby killers) full permission to do whatever is in their power (weather it's their knowledge or technological machinery) to save your baby?!?!? I can't wait to hear your feedback because it seems as though you have an obvious logical answer to everything....NOT!
ReplyDeleteI am not a member of your faith who resides in an area that just happens to be populated with many lds people which is Utah! My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed living here for the past 3 yrs and love raising our 3 children in this beautiful area. However, ever since stumbling onto your blog, I cannot help but express my deep dissapointment in some of the women of your faith. I have met so many here that believe this homebirth fad is the way to go. Their whacked out beliefs on this matter are constantly being shoved down my throat. Don't get me wrong, I am an open minded indiviual who embraces different cultures, religions and people but you are ridiculous. By doing this, I and so many other non-mormon people link your religion to your unethical homebirthing beliefs. It baffles me to hear so many women who are of a faith that "supposedly" focuses on the family be so quick to shun the technology we have been blessed with. So many words come to mind...selfishness, eccentric, attention-seeking, proud, unrealistic, ridiculous....I could go on forever. I guess I'm just glad that there are members of your faith out there who are practicing what they are preaching.
ReplyDeleteSo, what if your child get's hurt?!? Do you make up a home remedy, or do you take it to the same doctors at the hospital that you are accusing of being baby killers?
ReplyDeletedear anonymous,
ReplyDeletewhat is a "crunchy" parent?
and why did you quote that and also "better than everyone else, boohoohoo" cause im pretty sure thats no quoting anyone.
Who says crunchy?
I love the birth, I love the print, I love the name, I love that you shared photos. They are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteRixa,
ReplyDeleteI'm not wanting to get involved in the heated debate, I just wanted to let you know that I've been reading your blog for awhile now and that I appreciate what you've had to say so far. I have been inspired by what you've chosen to share with us, especially Zari's birth. As a doula, I think I share most of your views on birth, etc. and I think it's awesome that you have openly shared your story.
As an aside, photos/videos of women giving birth are beautiful and amazing, and there is no shame in that. It is probably the most defining moment in a woman's life, as well as her strongest and most beautiful. It is just sad when people are inappropriate and crass in their comments about that, and even sadder how society has somehow equated a woman's sexuality as good (and encouraged her to flaunt it... ) and the same woman giving birth/breastfeeding as inappropriate and something to be hidden away and not talked about. No wonder our country's birth statistics are what they are. And no wonder this young girl doesn't have any relevant or true information about birth, and is equating natural birth to something that was done in the 1800's, or something only hippies do! *sigh*
Anyways, thanks, and I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Rebecca
Thanks for an enlightening blog. It's always sad to find out some people are so uninformed about birth. I love your picture.
ReplyDeleteHi Rixa and everyone else. I am a friend of Shauna's, her brother is married to my sister. I do appreciate your wise advocasy of keeping the comments classy and unsarcastic. It is the only way to get the point across in a Christian way so as not to offend. Sarcasm only makes people angry and defensive in these types of situations, though I do find it funny when the subject matter is more lighthearted!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I just posted this on Shauna's blog and thought I would share my feelings here as well.
First of all, I didn't find the pictures pornographic as many have said. I do however, think it is inappropriate to both post pictures of and talk about things that are meant to be sacred. So many people have been up in arms about Shauna and other's critisim of the blessing especially. However, those kinds of things are only sacred if kept personal, in my opinion. Blessings don't need to be discussed on a public blog of all things.
I have 2 kids that were both delivered via c-section. I am a cardiology patient and had many complications. My first labor experience was terrible and a c-section was completely necessary. I did not qualify for a VBAC {vaginal birth after cesarean} with my second child. I believe that all of this was right and necessary FOR ME. I would never be so assuming as to advocate my beliefs on birthing on homebirthers or anyone else. I think this is respectful, but I don't feel like we hospital patrons are always extended the same courtesy.
I have found homebirth advocates {through the course of my life, not just this whole current blog flare-up} to be so proud of themselves and into it, and the way you push it on everyone comes off as very condescending. Many of you look down your noses at people's choices to take drugs or have c-sections, as if I am less of a woman for not doing it naturally! As evidenced in many of the comments on this post.
Many put off an air of pride about their choices and that is a major contributor to the way you make people feel about you. You are stereotyped because of a perceived lack of balance in your lives.
That is 110% fine with me to have a home birth, in fact I think it's great! {With a midwife present, I think it is reckless and irresponsible without} Just don't discount my experience because I didn't choose to or wasn't able to have it that way! Your arrogant attitudes are why people get defensive and feel the need to in turn judge your choices just as harshly.
And one more thing, let's not forget about all of the children who are adopted and some one else has done the birth part. The birth is not the end; it is a beautiful beginning of the life you will share with your child. And in the end it is just the means of getting them here, however you choose to do it!
And one more thing, sorry. Just because we didn't have our babies "naturally" or won't choose to doesn't mean:
ReplyDelete1. We are afraid of our bodies. I mean come on!
2. We missed our rite of passage as women
This is what I am talking about above when I refrence the condescending attitudes!
Rixa,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry your beautiful, simple little placenta blog post brought about such venom.
As women, one of our most important roles is to gather together in an authetic attempt at understanding...asking the tough questions, listening with an open heart, and recognizing our unique needs and experiences. It seems that some of your visitors aren't quite walking that same path at this time. It seems that others are on their way, coming around to it.
I wrote a post about a similar topic here (and it's coming from me, a rabid home birth advocate): http://leighsteele.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/to-the-mama-who-feels-like-%e2%80%9cdamaged-goods%e2%80%9d/
To quickly address questions: my homebirth mess consisted of blood on some disposable chux pads. Easy clean up done by my birth team. :) While I didn't birth in the birth tub, I labored in in with my husband (urine is sterile).
Also, as a homebirth transport (first birth), I can address a commenters question: Yes, I did transport to a hospital when something was "awry". We gave the back up doc a ring, she prepared for us, it took 20 minutes to get there, and another 30 minutes until a c-section and my baby was/is happy and healthy. If it were more emergent, there were still other back up plans in place. My second daughter was born at home under the same "awry" situation (aka breech baby) and was also perfectly healthy and happy.
And yes, when my child gets hurt or sick, I whip up a home remedy or use a homeopathic remedy. If it doesn't work, then they go to a traditional Dr. Of course, if it were an emergency, I'd be to the ER stat.
As a homebirther, natural-minded mama, it's not that I am "against" Dr's or medicine. It's just that I avoid their services or interventions unless truly nessasary. And when nessasary, I am grateful for their presence.
Having lived a bit unconventionally, I am used to these sort of questions and don't take offense. What is beautiful, though, is when inquiring minds come to a place of mutual respect (that includes me) and forgo making ill-informed assumptions. I think once you personally know someone who lives unconventionally, you begin to gain a deeper respect for them and their ways of living don't seem so "crazy". The same has gone for me when I encounter others with views/lifestyles different than mine. They color the already amazing and brilliant quilt of friendship that has been woven since I was born.
Love,
Leigh
I'll stay out of the drama =) I'll just say that I've never been a fan of the placenta prints that I've seen because they looked like waste... almost like if you took the paper that ground beef was packed in and framed it, you know that old-blood look. That doesn't mean they don't hold meaning to the mamas, though! But I really, really like your placenta print. Its flower-like characteristic really does show through, even before the paint. I think I'll have to click on more links when mamas say they have prints there =)
ReplyDeleteso nudity = pornography? that's interesting. and so sad, wow it's so sad. :(
ReplyDeleteNatalie, you complain that homebirthers can be arrogant and dismissive of hospital birthers, and that you "would never be so assuming as to advocate my beliefs on birthing on homebirthers or anyone else." You then go on to proclaim that birth without a medical professional present is reckless and irresponsible. You don't see the irony in that?
ReplyDeleteSomeone up above (or maybe several people, my head is swimming with the sheer volume of comments) accused homebirthers and UCers of putting the experience above the baby. Common words used to describe them: selfish, ignorant, attention-seeking. These are *assumptions* based in an inability or unwillingness to understand -- and to so easily make judgments based in assumptions is to me the very definition of arrogance.
Trudi: your question contains implications that are false assumptions about me. If you are interested, these are the facts about me. 1: I have very carefully considered emergencies during both my pregnancies and worked out backup arrangements in excruciating detail. I had seen an OB practice for prenatals and they were no less prepared to care for me during birth than for a regular hospital patient. 2: At my home births, the first responder in case of an emergency would have been my midwife. Her job includes identifying complications before they become emergent. (But you are almost on the mark: I do believe she is better equipped/trained/experienced for certain situations than EMS.) 3: My first birth took place 4 blocks from the nearest hospital, and my second birth there were several available routes in case of traffic, which is rarely that heavy in my town. 4: 'I seem to have an obvious logical answer to everything--NOT!' So, I don't seem to, I don't, or it isn't obvious? Which is it? I can tell you I have handy answers because the issues raised by the home birth skeptics here are all issues I've thought about a lot. I may not have THE one-size-fits-all answer, but at least you can't accuse me of foolhardiness.
ReplyDelete5: I do not and never did believe that doctors cause an excess of avoidable, iatrogenic neonatal deaths. But it is my opinion that the current neonatal mortality rates could be achieved with much less medical intervention with low-risk mothers and babies. Interventions carry a risk of emergencies which do all too often require a doctor's lifesaving skills.
Patrick family, like I said in the previous post, "if my baby can be born safely without said procedures, I do have a STRONG preference to forego them" Did you see that? the IF and the SAFELY? So I have a preference, why would you call that ridiculous? Just suppose for the sake of argument that I were devastated, and had issues for the rest of my life, would you really point your finger and laugh at me just like your comment suggests? That wouldn't be likely to help me get over my issues, and it would make you a... what kind of a person?
wow judit, you have issues. we obviously don't agree. having a baby is the absolute best thing a women can do, even if it is "cut out" that is what women should pride themselves in, not how they did it, but that the baby came into the world.
ReplyDeleteWe do disagree about some things. I do agree with you that raising children is a miraculous, wonderful, fulfilling experience, a source of ultimate pride and joy, yes. I agree that holding your newborn for the first time is one of the (if not THE) best moments of any woman's life. We disagree about details of that overall blissful picture, like I don't think it's outlandish for some women DESPITE BEING OVERJOYED FOR THEIR BABY to regret a fresh surgical wound and/or narcotics in their bloodstream. But I never said the birth experience is more important than the baby's safety. I'm not sure what you think my issues are; I said for the sake of argument, let's assume I (or a hypothetical mother) I had issues left over a complicated birth (I don't, because I've been lucky). Would you be able to have compassion for such a fellow mother?
ReplyDeleteof course, i would feel compassion for someones feelings if they had a complicated birth. i just feel bad that women have that pressure that they would have to feel that way if they do not have a natural childbirth. because most of the time (we may disagree on this) a c-section is absolutely nessecary for the saftey of the child. Instead of feeling upset that you are not able to have a natural birth, i think you should be happy that we have the modern medicine practices that were able to save the baby and or you.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOW! It comes down to this in my mind.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like it, don't do it. Personally, while I think the picture is interesting, I would never do that, neither would I eat my placenta or make it into capsals or put it in my freezer... I am a little grossed out by all that. A little, and that is my issue, no one elses...
If you are to scared to UC, don't do it! Personally I would be to scared to birth at home at all in a state without legal midwifery, so for me it is a hospital, and all that means, all of which I am not happy about...
If you think nudity is wrong in any form then don't look at the photos. I found them very educational, and thank Rixa for posting them.
If you don't agree with someone, stay calm! You will never agree with everyone, don't get fanatical either way and share opinions without slinging names.
Giving birth is a glorious ocassion, regardless of where it happens and everyone wants the same thing, a healthy baby. How you get there is no one's business but your own...
Patrick Family, thanks for sticking it out with me this far because I think we are finding a lot of common ground. Here's where I'm personally coming from: lifesaving surgery, I would be very very grateful for. I don't think we need to argue what % of cesareans are medically indicated, as long as we both agree that they're an absolute blessing WHEN they are. If I were a poor woman in a remote area of a third world country with no hospital access, I would prepare for the birth of each child as a very real potential that one or both of us might die. But luckily I live next to a world renowned hospital and have the insurance to pay for it. And also very luckily, I am the ideal low-risk home birth candidate and the statistics say that my baby is as likely to be born healthy with a midwife in my home 15 minutes to the hospital as inside the same hospital. Except that if I were to decide to give birth there, I have a 15+ % chance of a cesarean (for my risk category) but at home, I have a less than 2% chance. The way I see it, this discrepancy roughly expresses the chance of me undergoing an AVOIDABLE cesarean as a hospital patient. It is important for me to give myself the best chance to avoid surgery, and that is in good part because I want to be in the best possible shape for my newborn. With a midwife at home, if we end up transferring for a cesarean or other procedures, I will have the peace of mind from knowing that it was truly necessary. Honestly, given this scenario, I would be very accepting of and grateful for surgery.
ReplyDeleteNow, you might be thinking of some women's disappointment over accepting pain medication when they had planned on going without. I've never really worried about that, because there is no labor anesthesia at home births (they're too risky) and if we are transferring because of complications, the anesthesia would be a given, and again, absolutely necessary, so of course it would not upset me--my baby being in danger is the real upset there.
So these are my circumstances and where I am coming from.
Oops I meant *it's* too risky -- anesthesia, at home births. Not that home births are too risky. With narcotics administered in any way, you need to be in a hospital because they alone require the kind of medical attention that only hospitals can provide.
ReplyDeleteRixa, I was initially directed to your site by a friend of mine who was a student of your husband's who thought that your decision to birth at home was well, wierd. So, wanting to get the best picture, I started reading from the beginning and read every post. I was extremely impressed by the sheer amount of research and information you gained about your decision. Since then I check for updates on a regular basis though I have never commented on any posts. I initially found your decision to birth at home somewhat unorthodox (compared to my own view of such things) but was intrigued as well. After reading it for what must be at least a good year or so, I feel like I have much more information about birth, the birthing process, and the options that pregnant women should have. I have even discussed with my husband his thoughts about the topic. I think some of the reactions here are simply of ignorance in that people haven't done the amount of research that you have done. I believe that each person should have the right to chose how she wants to birth her child and in what environment. When I decide to have children (if I am able to), I do plan on having a doctor's care because of my endocrine disorder that results in a high miscarriage rate, but I will only settle for a doctor that allows me to be in control, to move as I feel comfortable, and to birth in whatever fashion I want to (laying down, squatting, whatever). I think birthing at home sounds wonderful and relaxing and am jealous that I am at such a high risk. I don't feel like anything thing that you did was even remotely irresponsible.
ReplyDeleteAs for the people that are concerned about the images (I remember your family members being at odds about that too.), I would say, don't look at them then. There is nothing about any of your photos (or any that you have linked to) that could be construed as pornographic. Most of them barely show anything but some skin after all! I think they are beautiful expressions of the rush of joy of having birthed a baby.
I think the placenta print is a wonderful idea. Seriously, it's a life giving organ and only "gross or disgusting" if you interpret it that way. I think hospitals should allow placenta prints!
I don't ever remember reading a post where you said that one way or the other was the "right" way to do something. All I have ever seen is someone who is trying to get the most and best information out there about a topic which you are very passionate about.
I suppose what I am trying to get to is that you motivated me to complete my own research and be more aware of my options. Thank you for subjecting yourself to scrutiny from others who might not be as open-minded about the unfamiliar. You encouraged me to ask questions about my own body and the process. That is empowering and appreciated very much. I will continue to keep up and also do my own research (EC and cloth diapers really interest me!). I hope that knowing you helped empower at least one person will encourage you!
Dear "anoymous"
ReplyDeleteWay to have the guts to say whatever you want without the implications of letting people know who you are. That goes for all people who ever comment as anoymous. If you have an opinon, OWN IT.
missed the "n" there, that's anonymous
ReplyDeleteI am really glad she wrote her post. Not because I agree with her (I DON'T) but because she came up on google. I was looking for some examples of placenta art to show a friend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your family.
Dear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI see now how my comment could be seen as hypocritical {but not ironic}. In my mind I was thinking of it one way and worded it another, it was inadvertant. When I wrote "advocate" I was thinking more along the lines of telling some one how or what to do. I wasn't thinking of having an opinion that I wouldn't share generally. To many it is probably the same thing, but hopefully others will be able to decipher what I really meant.
I do think I worded my comment stronger than I meant as well, and I apologize. I really thought I was throwing the home-birthers a bone in many parts. I do think it is great. I just don't like anyone in turn assuming that I am less of a woman or missing out on a huge part of motherhood for not choosing to do it that way. I guess others don't like being told that having a child without a professional present is reckless. Sorry. To each her own I suppose.
I think it's gorgeous!!! I love doing placenta prints for mamas, and I make sure that it's just the way they want it, before leaving it as the final one.
ReplyDeleteThe placenta is a beautiful and amazing organ that helps to sustain the life of our unborn child. I'm sorry you've gotten flack for it...I think it's beautiful!
*hugs*
Gorgeous placenta print. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteFrom one homebirthing mama to another, you're fantastic!
x B
I think its beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe should appreciate the placenta for the wonderful disposable organ that it is. Its a baby maker!!
Kelly
Brigham mentioned that the #1 cause of infant mortality in the United States is low birth weight and prematurity. While there are many factors contributing, at least part of that prematurity and low birth weight is BECAUSE of doctors and hospitals. I am a registered nurse with NICU experience, and I can't tell you how many babies I've admitted because their mom was induced for no medical reason. The doctors tell these moms "Oh, it's 38 weeks, your baby will be fine." and when the baby is born it has trouble breathing. That is just one of the things that doctors do out of arrogance that has bad outcomes for mothers and babies. For me, I trust my baby and my body a whole hell lot more than I trust a doctor.
ReplyDelete