.fellow women, i implore you: know your birth options.

This is a fabulous example of why I am so passionate about women knowing their options when it comes to their birth experiences. My fabulous Bradley teacher posted this on Facebook and I had to share it. The sign below is from a Utah Obstetrician's office. It reads as follows: "Because the Physicians at Aspen Women's Center care about the quality of their patient's deliveries and are very concerned about the welfare and health of your unborn child, we will not participate in: a "Birth Contract," a Doulah Assisted, or a Bradley Method delivery. For those patients who are interested in such methods, please notify the nurse so we may arrange transfer of your care."

This sign has become a bit of a viral phenomenon among birth activists and such. Most are outraged that a doctors office can blatantly turn away women seeking natural birth methods. "This is discrimination!" they cry.

For me, the issue is quite a different one. I believe that this practice can and should be able to run their business how they see fit. In a way, I think it's a good thing that they state right up front, in plastic signage, that they will not accommodate certain types of natural birth.

When I was pregnant, I came to the conclusion that I wanted not only a medication-free, natural birth, but that I wanted to use the Bradley method during my delivery. When I was about 20 weeks along, I mentioned this desire to my midwife. She acted as if I was a little "touched." She repeated my request for a natural birth back to me, with skepticism in her voice and asked if I was sure. I said I was. She shrugged and said, "Well, if that's what you really want. Don't be surprised if you ask for an epidural when it comes right down to it, though."

I was a little shocked to find her attitude to be a little prickly at the mention of an unmedicated birth. So, after much thought, I started looking for another midwife. I wanted a midwife that would support my choice, not roll her eyes and tolerate my "naivet'e."

I won't delve much into the rest of my pregnancy/birth experience now, but I will say I found a wonderful, supportive midwife and had a lovely, natural birth.

Back to the matter at hand! The problem I have with this sign is that it makes natural birth sound downright dangerous and harmful to mother and baby. This is the NATURAL birth process we're talking about here not sword swallowing or chainsaw juggling! Our bodies are made for this and can handle birth just fine in most situations.

I know that if walked into this office as a first-time pregnant mother who didn't know the Bradley method from Lamaze, I would think to myself, "I'm concerned about my baby's well-being, too! I love my baby! If the doctors here say they are dangerous, I will NEVER use the Bradley Method or a doula! I would NEVER endanger my child!"

Don't even get me started on the fact that they don't allow mothers to make birth plans/contracts. Having a birth plan, in my humble opinion, should be a requirement and privilege for all expecting mothers. Every woman should have as much say in her birth as she cares to have, whether she is having a natural birth or a C-section. C'mon, ladies! This is your birth! Get informed!

To sum up this soapbox moment: if this practice doesn't want to deliver babies were doulas assist or the parents are following the Bradley method, fine, but don't make it sound like anyone who chooses this type of birth experience is reckless and endangering their baby. Give me a break!