VBAC poem

Among wonderful my message board friends, there's been a lot of discussions regarding VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Caesarian) lately, who wants one, who's had one, and whether or not they're safe.

Anyhow, this inspired me last night, to write a poem about VBACs. As you probably gathered I am very much of the belief that a woman has the right to choose the way she wants to give birth, and have now dubbed pro-VBAC ladies "VBAC Warriors."

So, all you VBAC hopefuls, successes and advocates this is for you!

We are the VBAC Warriors,
We fight for women's rights.
Doulas, midwifes, mums-to-be
Our heads are screwed on tight.

You won't scare us with all your stats,
Nor bring us down with books.
It's our right to choose the way
We birth the babe we cooked.

A birthing woman is not insane,
Incompetent or ill,
If you won't support my VBAC hopes,
I'll find someone who will!

We'll labour long, through day and night
Although it might be hard,
We've managed fine the last nine months,
Why not the whole nine yards?

We'll turn away your pitocin
Your prostaglandins too,
And as for knives and epidurals,
Why not try them on you?

And when at last we hold our babe,
And we've forgotten all the pain,
You clutch your books and clear your throat
"But you can't do it again."

You can't deny the triumph
In a VBAC mothers' eyes,
And in case you didn't notice
VBAC babes are on the rise

So listen up all you OB's
There's something you should know,
It's MY right, and it's MY choice,
VBAC Warriors - go!

Copyright - Miranda Beattie 2009

I have not been so offended in ages...

This is just embarrassing, an overseas (US based I believe) pain-relief manufacturer Motrin recently released this disgusting add...

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=XO6SlTUBA38

There are just so many this wrong with this add.

1) It makes babywearing mommas look like ignorant try-hards, who like the teenage girl tottering around in shoes that cause blisters and a dress so tight she can hardly breathe because she's 'sexy', wear their babies because it's 'cool' and will make them look like a 'real' mother.

2) It promotes babywearing as a painful thing to do. This is ridiculous! Even I can wear Zeke, and I have an ongoing shoulder injury and a bad back, and still comfortably tote him around in a carrier wherever I go. Babywearing when undertaken with the right advice and sling for you, (there is lots of advice out there!) is a comfortable and painless experience.

3) The add also made fun of the scientific fact that babies who are worn cry less. I cannot tell you the number of mothers I know who swear by wearing their baby in any form of carrier as a way to keep their bub close, comfortable and peaceful. Nothing turns my fussy, overtired little boy into a mellow baby like popping him in the sling and doing a few laps of the house.

4) The makers of the add also mock the bonding experience that can be had by babywearing. When you wear your baby, you are deliciously close to their soft skin, their warmth is pressed right against your heart (exactly where your baby belongs!), and every step you take you can breathe in that beautiful, sweet, milky, one-of-a-kind 'baby' scent that belongs only to your child... and even while they're asleep your baby will recognise your heartbeat, scent and warmth as a sense of comfort and protection. How is that not a wonderful way to bond with your baby?

I really am disgusted and offended by this, I cannot believe how ignorant the makers of this add are.

When I became pregnant , one of the things I looked forward to most was wearing my child... I researched all the options, and made a choice of carrier based on factors that affect me, and I have found that wearing Zeke is a happy, enjoyable and above all comfortable experience. I love having him close to me when I am out walking or shopping, and he appears to really enjoy being close to me and having a great view of the day's proceedings! Not to mention it keeps my hands free to get what I need to do finished.

For those who choose it babywearing is a win/win situation for the wearer and the child!

All you baby-wearing mothers out there who also find this add rude, offensive or ignorant, please drop by the Motrin website when it is up and running again, and let them know what you think. I will certainly be giving them my two cents!

Oh yeah... and a pic of Zeke being worn... not my best photo ever... but a baby blog needs at least one pic per post!