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Midwife-Delivered Births Increase In AlaskaA recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that home births across the nation rose 20 percent between 2004 and 2008.Related Content
A Wasilla doctor hopes to raise awareness about home births in Alaska with the help of actress and TV talk show host Ricki Lake. Dr. Glen Elrod, an OB/GYN at Sleeping Lady Women’s Health Care Center in Wasilla is just one of very few doctors who act as a back-up physician for professional midwives out in the Mat-Su Valley. Finding other physicians willing to share the responsibility with him has been challenging. “I think they're scared of it. They don’t understand how good it can be for these moms, how safe it can be,” said Dr. Elrod. A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that home births across the nation rose 20 percent between 2004 and 2008. Oregon, Vermont, and Alaska were among the states with the highest home delivery rate during that period. Health officials believe that an increase in publicity and awareness about home births have given the trend traction. Over the weekend, celebrity TV talk show host Ricki Lake traveled to the Valley to shed some light on Dr. Elrod’s situation and to host a baby shower for his wife as part of a fundraising contest. In 2008, Lake released the documentary The Business of Being Born, which explores home births and the use of midwives throughout a woman’s pregnancy up through labor. She said it’s a personal cause. Lake had her first child in a hospital, but the experience left her with much to be desired. After her life-changing experience delivering her second child at home, she wanted to spread the word about a woman’s options when giving birth. “What I got from that home birth was that sort of feeling that you can do anything, powerhouse woman… able to accomplish anything—that has stayed with me,” Lake said. Expectant mother Tara Elrod is set to deliver her baby in just a few weeks, and has decided to have a home birth after delivering her first two children at the hospital. |
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Bri said on Tuesday, May 1 at 2:40 PM
I was one of the mother's who had a home birth in 2011 and it was a wonderful experience using a birthing tub. I will definitely do this again. I have also had at least 4 friends use midwives and give birth either at a birthing center or their home. If you have no complications in your pregnancy I would reccomend it.
89432945Susie said on Tuesday, Mar 20 at 8:12 PM
Where can I find a home birth midwife in Anchorage? Please email susiegirl123 at gmail dot com.
85093744Anonymous said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 7:55 PM
The terminology of "lay midwife" gives insight into the amount of truw knowledge one has about midwifery care. This is not about "lay midwifery"- which implies no formal training, no certification/credentialling. We are talking about Certified Professional Midwives/Certified Direct-Entry Midwives, who are licensed and regulated by the STATE OF ALASKA. Sure, birth CAN be dangerous and high risk- but in high risk moms with high risk pregnancies. Who of course do not qualify for midwifery care and Out Of Hospital Birth.
73217271Seen problems said on Friday, Aug 26 at 5:12 PM
Sorry, but the options and care with a lay midwife are not the same as a MD, and when it goes bad, there may not be enough time. If it is simple, fine. If not, it's nice to be in a hospital with all the options.
72981342Tara said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 9:33 AM
Yes- all licensed midwife assisted births and the outcomes, including hospital transports and ultimate outcomes (i.e. physician delivered, forceps, vacuum, c-section, etc.) are indeed reported to the state and 'tracked.' The part in this segment that says otherwise is untrue.
72848657Dan said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 10:06 PM
Both of my children were born at a birth center with the help of certified nurse midwives. The experience was phenomenal. It was *OUR* birth, *OUR* way. Both my kids were born in a tub, all the "funk" was washed off. I couldn't recommend our midwives at Geneva Woods enough!
72825127Meg said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 6:36 PM
If only midwives could attend a VBAC, that would be a step forward for sure!
72818971Sherri said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 5:46 PM
Alaska has always been a pro-home birth state. let's just get it out there more and get more families involved.
72816833Tammie said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 8:50 AM
This is encouraging! More homebirths please!
72785999ERS said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 4:42 AM
Great piece! FYI: midwife assisted births and outcomes are tracked through the State Div. of Vital Statistics. Also, there are numerous, large and well respected studies showing the safety of out of hospital midwives.
72770866me said on Monday, Aug 22 at 11:26 AM
It is about time that mothers started to be more involved in their childs health! Good for these mothers for choosing their childs health over the doctors wallet!!!!!!!
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