Book on Natural Childbirth from the LDS perspective

Through my struggles with PTSD after childbirth, I never questioned my faith as a Latter-day Saint. I knew that my Father in Heaven would give me the strength and love to overcome my difficulties, and that with his help I would learn what I needed to give birth again, but in a better way the next time. Through my Savior's atonement, I did not need to continue to suffer with the anguish that was inside me, and because he "descended below all things" Jesus knew what I was experiencing.

However, I did begin to question other aspects of my faith. And that included the organization and leadership of the church's role and responsibility to teach about Heavenly Father's will when it comes to how our babies are born. It seemed to me that the leadership of the church counsels on so many closely related topics including parenting, disciplining children, strengthening marriage relationships, financial responsibility, the dangers of pornography to family units, substance abuse, depression,etc. So why not attack that Satan is launching to undermine the initial attachment of mothers and babies?

I still don't know the answer to that question. But I found something that gave me hope. An LDS mother, Susana Fierro-Baig, has written a book entitled "A Christ Centered Birth: Applying Priniples of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Childbearing." In it, she describes why the majority of LDS women turn to the medicalized model of birth when bearing their children, as well as why Satan desires this. She then applies scriptures, LDS doctrine and quotes from General Authorities, apostles and prophets to how husbands and wives can invite the Spirit of the Lord into their birth, just as they strive to have their marriages and families led by the Spirit, following the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In my experience, I found that giving birth in a hospital, and following the medicalized mmodel of birth is contradictory to the principles of the gospel. Of course, hospitals are sometimes appropriate settings for birth when the health of either the mother or baby is in jeopardy (a slight percentage of the time). But normal birth does not belong in hospitals--where women are not allowed to follow their instincts which are directed by the Spirit of God, their privacy and bodily integrity are infringed upon, and their husbands are pushed aside so strangers can take his place.

I'm greatful to have found this book and I look forward to reading it in its entirety. Currently, it is not available in print, only as an online download. But I hope at some point, the book is made more widely available to LDS, and other Christian women who can learn from the author's words.

TRUST Birth Conference

A few months ago, I became acquainted with the Trust Birth Initiative. That initial interaction and Amy from Crunchy Domestic Goddess prompted me to start this blog (see my early entries). The current push of the Trust Birth Initiative is the Trust Birth Conference taking place in Southern California March 7-9. I would love to attend but family business and responsibilities is keeping me from being able to. But that's okay!

Because Carla Hartley, the founder of the Trust Birth Initiave, is making downloads available after the conference for those who were unable to attend.

I will be able to hear the presentations by Michel Odent, MD, Rixa Freese's presentation on portrayals of birth in media, Henci Goer, Sarah Buckley, Laura Shanley and Carla Hartley herself. Topics will include discussions on unassited birth, the technocatic version of birth, the research and the evidence of cesarean, midwifery managed births, homebirths, prenatal care, circumsision, the power of belief, intuition and touch during prenancy, birth and infancy. Can you tell? I am very excited that this option is available to me.

This is also a great option for those who do attend the Conference but couldn't see all the presentations that were of interest to you. Conferences are like that...you have to prioritze and plan which presentations are most important to you, while missing others presentations of interest happening simultaneously during each session.