"Imagine what might happen if the majority of women emerged from their labor beds (or not beds) with a renewed sense of the strength and power of their bodies, and of their capacity for ecstasy through giving birth. When enough women realize that birth is a time of great opportunity to get in touch with their true power, and when they are willing to assume responsibility for this, we will reclaim the power of birth and help move technology where it belongs--in the service of birthing women, not as their master."
- Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, Christiane Northrup, MD
An obstetrician (OB) is a specialist in high risk pregnancies, high risk births, and gynecological surgery. Even for low-risk births, the likelihood of experiencing interventions may be increased if you choose to use an OB because they are trained in surgery and may view birth from a pathological viewpoint. If you choose to use an OB as your provider during pregnancy and you are low-risk (have no known complications), it is important to ask them about their philosophy on normal birth and what routine interventions you should expect It is also important to learn about the hospital’s policies and protocols for interventions because even if your OB is supportive of normal birth, they must follow hospital regulations.
