Once admitted [to the hospital, Yarima] sprung herself out of bed and attempted to give birth by squatting in the corner of the hospital room.
That one was probably highlighted to emphasize the weirdness, or scandal, or ick factor, just like the first excerpt. But this is most probably one thing the Yanomami got right, as a simple matter of physiological fact.
I have recently learned from my manual therapist that lying in the back like we do in the west by default is the worst possible position for giving birth, for various reasons, the most obvious being that gravity doesn't work with you in that position. Apparently, this position is widespread in our countries because it is more convenient for the doctor.
Squatting on the other hand is one of the best positions, leading to less pain, much faster birth, less risks for both the baby and the mother… Even if you're a cold heart cynic, this would be one easy way to reduce health expenditures.
...this position is widespread in our countries because it is more convenient for the doctor.
Another reason is because they have received epidural anesthesia which stops them from being able to move around safely.
Even with the advent of lighter 'walking' epidurals, many hospitals (including the quite progressive one in SF where my daughter was born last year, with a doula in attendance) still insist on the mother staying in bed after receiving the epidural as a matter of policy (for liability reasons).
Squatting on the other hand is one of the best positions, leading to less pain, much faster birth, less risks for both the baby and the mother…
Well, 'less pain' except for the epidural thing. I have nothing but respect for women who choose 'natural childbirth', but I think it's a hard sell to many moms.
and this quote is just sick:
"If most women viewed pregnancy as a normal,
natural event, then the surgeons' services would not be
required. If, however, pregnancy was seen as an illness, then
their presence might appear more appropriate. "
Comments
That one was probably highlighted to emphasize the weirdness, or scandal, or ick factor, just like the first excerpt. But this is most probably one thing the Yanomami got right, as a simple matter of physiological fact.
I have recently learned from my manual therapist that lying in the back like we do in the west by default is the worst possible position for giving birth, for various reasons, the most obvious being that gravity doesn't work with you in that position. Apparently, this position is widespread in our countries because it is more convenient for the doctor.
Squatting on the other hand is one of the best positions, leading to less pain, much faster birth, less risks for both the baby and the mother… Even if you're a cold heart cynic, this would be one easy way to reduce health expenditures.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childbirth_positions
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/birth-positions.html
Another reason is because they have received epidural anesthesia which stops them from being able to move around safely.
Even with the advent of lighter 'walking' epidurals, many hospitals (including the quite progressive one in SF where my daughter was born last year, with a doula in attendance) still insist on the mother staying in bed after receiving the epidural as a matter of policy (for liability reasons).
Well, 'less pain' except for the epidural thing. I have nothing but respect for women who choose 'natural childbirth', but I think it's a hard sell to many moms.
well, giving birth in the bed is relatively new phenomena
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1647027/pdf/amjp...
and this quote is just sick: "If most women viewed pregnancy as a normal, natural event, then the surgeons' services would not be required. If, however, pregnancy was seen as an illness, then their presence might appear more appropriate. "