Hmm this is interesting! Kateo's mentioning of the faceless and nameless doctors that were part of Ellen's birth journey reminds me acutely of a dear friend of mine whose baby was born at home but with severe (and unknown) congenital problems. the mother of the baby was spoken to by a multitude of drs over the course of the first week that without due thought or understanding immediately blamed her choice to HB on the condition of her son. her choice was attacked and she faced so much blame. and interestingly enough, once they found out what was wrong with their baby, the specialists made the point of emphasising that her choice to birth at home, probably HELPED that baby get the best start to life...simply because of a phsyiological first stage where bubs was able to access oxygen for longer than would of been in hospital. Like Kateo mentioned there is so much judgement within a medical system of a mother: whether she births privately, publicly, at home, whether she births on her back, on her knees (thinking of another members journey of recrimination for her choice to birth in a particular position...).

I find it strange how a woman's 'choice' is so at risk during this time of sacredness. where it is belittled or scarily, not seen as important. gosh, even our 'nesting' is a thing for people to have a chortle at and not take seriously! but i am getting on a soapbox here lol...