Pushed Birth has an overview of the push for midwives movement.

“Nevermind that you haven’t heard the candidates debating a woman’s “right to choose” where, how, and with whom she gives birth. Activists are thrusting the issue onto the political agenda anyway, from all sides of the ideological spectrum. Last week in Chicago, a nonpartisan coalition of consumer advocates launched The Big Push for Midwives campaign to license certified professional midwives in every state. Currently these trained midwives, whose competency in caring for normal birth is supported by rigorous study, cannot obtain a license in several states, which forces them to practice underground, which isn’t good for anybody.”

More about this new campaign at the National Birth Policy Coalition

This med student shares insights on birth from an interns perspective.
What’re You Scared Of, Baby?

“Before my week on Labor and Delivery (affectionately known as “L&D”), thoughts danced through my head about what I’d be blogging about. Joyous, momentous, wondrous times delivering new humans into the world, tears falling from everyone’s eyes; laughter and hugs and happiness and rainbows and unicorns.

But no no, dear readers, no rainbows radiated from any of my patients’ vaginas. In fact, I felt very little happiness at all. I’ve come to realize that there’s one particular emotion that beats out happiness, joy, excitement, and all that sweetness. And that would be fear.”

I think it is good when someone in the medical profession admits that he is fearful about birth. It really confirms my instincts that I don’t want him or anyone like him around me while I give birth. Fear is a contagious emotion, and as someone who has spent literally decades working on my fears around birth, I want everyone who is at home with me while I labor in a FAITHFUL place while I do the work of birthing my child, Not overwhelmed with fear.
My friend Susana had her blessing way party this past week, and was surrounded by faithful mothers who gave encouragement and supported her in her preparations for another home birth.
Here is the link to her description of how it went.
Here is a link to a web site devoted to proper nutrition during pregnancy. The Brewer diet is an appropriate place to put your energy while preparing for birth. Building a large healthy baby, strong uterus, and putting in a store of nutrients for breastfeeding is one of the best insurance policies you can have for a great birth, a healthy baby, and an abundant milk supply.
Jenny Hatch