obesity and dilation

[e_p]

Niadalla, I am really saddened to hear that you were treated like that and I wish I could tell you that there was only a few of us like that around. E_p, I am one of the founding OB's of a birth centre in Queensland. I am a huge activist for home birth and women's rights when birthing their babies, Trillian. So yes, while I am medically trained I am not so one-eyed in that regard. Is it true that we have higher intervention rates, TRUE. WHY? Because, we are bound by the law to preserve life and to do no harm. It seems harsh and very black and white, which I agree it is, but that is how hospitals and our health system is governed. Ofcourse, we are not just going to knock you out and say you must do it this way or else, but it is our duty of care to give you all the information.

That's great LittleB+1 - really refreshing and positive to hear of your woman-centred approach and the other care professionals you're surrounded by. I don't agree that we have high intervention rates because Drs are bound by laws to do no harm - a lot of harm is done without informed consent (health professionals are also bound by laws around consent, I believe) where no ones life was ever in immediate danger. I've seen it with my own eyes and dozens of women on BB will agree with me. I think it's fantastic to encourage women to be well informed (and I certainly encourage it) but I also think we shouldn't really have to - we should be able to expect to be treated with respect and evidence based care without having to battle for it. I see a lot of blaming women for either not being informed enough, or for knowing too much and expecting too much. I don't think that's right.