Sawyer Hill Birth

My first birth was complicated by hospital policy, but not by the midwives -- if I'd had an OB I think things would have gone very differently. Support midwifery in hospitals!

Midwifery deserves the wholehearted support of everyone who cares about mothers and babies.

Call (back) the midwife! - The Boston Globe US doctors have monopolized childbirth and made deliveries more complicated than necessary.

I found this a terrific piece on reasons many women think they might have low supply -- but actually don't -- and how to address those concerns.

(There are women in the comments who had genuine low-supply issues and found the article dismissive, so be aware. But I think most readers will find it helpful.)

Low Milk Supply 101 Forgive me for asking but... Do you REALLY have low milk supply? This is a very important place to start. Please bear with me. I don’t mean to doubt your situation and be annoying patronising...

Do you have milk to spare? Please consider donating!

Only milk bank in Northeast seeks donations for babies in need It can be the extra boost a baby needs to ensure a healthy start at life; particularly, for premature or sick babies.

I grit my teeth every time I hear a pregnant woman saying what her doctor will or will not "allow." Almost all women giving birth in the United States are legal adults -- and they're hiring their care providers, not the other way around!

You're Not Allowed to Not Allow Me The legal authority in childbirth lies with the woman giving birth, not the providers of care. Our words should reflect that.

"The big winner, though, was continuous support combined with at least one other strategy. ... The strength of the data is impressive."

This is why I do what I do.

Science & Sensibility » Non- Drug Pain Coping Strategies Improve Outcomes Non- Drug Pain Coping Strategies Improve Outcomes

"Existing Medicaid policies, subsidized private coverage under President Barack Obama’s law and an obscure Treasury Department ruling combined to produce the new options for pregnant women...."

Health Law Gives Pregnant Women New Options The health care law has opened up an unusual opportunity for some mothers-to-be to save on medical bills for childbirth.

This is a terrific, thoughtful piece on how risks and benefits aren't the same for every birthing family.

Home Birth vs. Hospital Birth: YOU'RE MISSING THE POINT, PEOPLE - Improving Birth The “home birth debate” has been reignited, sparking all kinds of conversation – some polarizing, some rational, and everything in the middle.

It's so important to share our experiences!

Birth in America: Reflections on power and social media The way we approach birth as a society can either empower or disempower women.

Expecting, and thinking of giving birth in a hospital in Mass.? This is the most recent and most usable comparison of local hospitals' attitudes toward key measures of care: C-section, VBAC, episiotomy, early elective delivery, and exclusive breastfeeding.

Interactive Map: Comparing Childbirth At Mass. Hospitals Compare Massachusetts hospitals on five childbirth quality measures in this interactive map.

A very helpful article for moms new to breastfeeding!

Breastfeeding: debunking that “not enough milk” myth The majority of mothers are quite capable of feeding their young. In fact, Jones says that 95 to 99 percent of mothers make enough milk for their baby.

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind seeing wine in American LDRs...

Kate Middleton probably spent less on childbirth than the average American woman Estimated cost for stay at Kate Middleton's private birthing suite: $15,000. Cost of average delivery in the United States: $30,000.