CHILDBIRTH ALTERNATIVES - The Choice Should Be Yours - Sheila Graham - September 1984

Sheila Graham

David and Pam chose natural childbirth at home for the delivery of their second child. The rate of children delivered outside of hospitals in America has increased each year by 30 percent between 1975 and 1980 alone, according to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. The number of parents wanting more control over how their babies will be born continues to grow in spite of pressure from the medical community. David and Pam, in their mid-20s and college educated, prepared well for the delivery of their child. David learned with his wife the husband-coached method of natural childbirth. Pam was attended by Elaine, a certified nurse-midwife, and her aide, in David and Pam's Southern California residence. A backup physician was available. After Pam went into labor about 8 p.m., February 10, the nurse midwife was called. Since the couple's bedroom was small, a single bed was set up in the family living room. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library