I just finished Pushed. I think it is awesome, I'm so glad there are more and
more efforts to educate the public about the horrid state of birth in America (I
also just saw the film The Business of Being Born, which is really great). I'm
impressed that Block had so many interviews with OBs, nurses, and others on both
"sides" of the issue. And I'm glad she wrote so much on birth being a
feminist/reproductive rights issue.
The one thing I wish, is that Jennifer Block had included more normal homebirth
stories, and that she had followed some other homebirth midwives in addition to
Linda.
I was quite upset to read about Cynthia Caleigh(sp?)...this happened in my
state, but before I became involved in the birth 'scene', so I hadn't heard
about it. What a travesty to lose such an expert in traditional midwifery...so
absolutely infuriating that the witch hunt is allowed to go on. I wonder if
she's practicing in her new location?
Anyway, I would definitely recommend Pushed to everyone, even pregnant women
(especially one who is planning a hospital birth...they NEED to know the truth).
I'm looking forward to the conference call.
-Liz Matthews