New West Network

My Page: Kimberly James

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists has reaffirmed its opposition to homebirth. Natural birth advocacy groups have responded in kind claiming that ACOG is out of touch and reacting to negative publicity from consumers, advocacy groups, and the media.

Missoula families are encouraged to read ACOG's statement and consider views and evidence put forward by natural birth advocates. [more]

The National Center for Health Statistics has reported that the cesarean rate has hit an all-time high of 31.1 percent.

In Montana the 2006 cesarean delivery rate was 28%. Considering that the 2005 state-wide cesarean rate was 25.8% and nearby Idaho’s 2006 rate was 22.8%, Montana birth statistics are headed down the wrong path. “Cesarean section is major surgery and doctors are overusing it on women and their babies,” said Kimberly James, ICAN of Greater Missoula’s Chapter Leader. “People tend to think because cesareans are common that they are risk-free, but unfortunately, many women and babies are paying the high price of complications from this surgery.”

If childbirth is on your radar in the slightest:
1. Attend the benefit screening of THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN on Saturday, December 8, 7pm at the Roxy ($12 at door); Q&A with local careproviders following the 85-minute feature documentary film
2. Get involved in ICAN of Greater Missoula
3. Be involved in and aware of the benefits and risks involved in maternal-child healthcare decisions [more]

It began at my post-partum appointment in 2005 following my cesarean section. She told me I risk experiencing an uterine rupture in future trials of labor.

It continued in 2006 as my husband and I contemplated adding to our family in a new town with new care providers.

Yet the journey has only just begun. A recent subscription to the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) opened my eyes to evidence-based discussions of childbirth practices in American.

ICAN of Greater Missoula is bringing an important feature documentary film to Missoula. The Business of Being Born explores childbirth as "big business". Director Abby Epstein states: "I discovered that the business of being born is another infuriating way medical traditions and institutions - hospitals and insurance companies - actually discourage choice and even infringe on parents' intimate rites . . ." The Business of Being Born is showing one night only at the Roxy Theater in Missoula, December 8 at 7:00 pm. Stay following the 85-minute film for a Q&A session with local care providers. [more]