Letters to the Editor
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whoa, jack!
Obstetric fistulas are horrific, but they happen to malnourished women (i.e., history of rickets causing pelvic malformations that obstruct labor) in third world countries without access to emergency medical care, much less prenatal care. I'm not saying it *never* happens in the western world, but I've only ever heard of it as a surgical complication. For a healthy, well-nourished woman with a professional midwife it is not an issue.
I understand where Ricki is coming from, because it's easy to get politicized by personal experiences with birth. I wanted a homebirth after being labor support for friends in hospitals several times (draw your own conclusions). Homebirth went so beautifully that I felt like shouting it from the rooftops. But the reality is that my experience was just that - mine - and I can't speak for anyone else. I just appreciate anything that educates the public that other choices are available. Women here have options and skilled help (unlike those women who end up with fistulas) and for that I am truly thankful.