Free Birthing = WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

It seems that when I am pregnant I find myself extra drawn to shows about babies, giving birth to babies, being pregnant with babies, babies -babies- babies. I enjoy living vicariously through other women giving birth because I wish I was as well. I love having children, but if I have said it once, I'll say it 890 more times- I am too impatient to be pregnant. Yeah, there should be a process of time, but no more than six months- nine is just completely ridiculous.

Anyway, last night, I was watching a documentary on women who choose free birthing as an option. If you are not familiar with the term, what it entails is the woman giving birth to her child at home without any medical assistance what so ever- no doctors, nurses, not even a mid-wife or Douala. I sat there the whole time with my mouth gaping open. My pants were wet from my mortified drool- either that or I sneezed, coughed or blinked too hard and peed myself.

I am all for doing what makes you comfortable, because giving birth and going through labor is one of the most humbling and ridiculous experiences I have and will ever go through as long as I live. Saying that, I feel that there is a line that one should not cross- the line where your opinions affect the well being of not only your health and safety but the safety and livelihood of your unborn child. These women are playing Russian roulette with their child's life, and it is completely irresponsible. I understand if you had a bad experience at the hospital or you do not like doctors or whatever other reason you have that makes you want to have your child at home, but you should never let those feelings and opinions get in the way of bringing your child safely into this world. I do not agree with home delivery- I believe that hospitals and doctors were created by God for a reason and I do not want to be anywhere else if an emergency occurs while I am giving birth. However, if you choose to give birth at home, than you at least have the responsibility of recruiting a mid-wife or some kind of medical professional who has the know-how to be able to deal with this situation. You should not be tying your child's umbilical cord with a shoestring and cutting it with a pair of scissors you got at Wal-mart- and no, burning the blades over a match does NOT make them adequately sterile. We do not live in 1875 (incase you lost your calendar). If you are more than comfortable using other modern advances such as electricity and plumbing and you live in a house that does not have a dirt floor or is surrounded by stone walls then AT LEAST give your child the best opportunity into this world by being around medical professionals who will be able to deal with labor and birth and all of the crazy situations they bring forth, even if that means giving birth at home.