Labor Pains

As one of the eight women mentioned in the first paragraph, I wanted to add my thoughts (“Local hospitals battle for the earthy birth market,” April 26-May 2). Saying that the local doula group “doesn’t have much patience for moms who choose pain medications” is grossly inaccurate.

All of us will work with (and have worked with) women who choose pain medication. It is our job to support women in the choices they make, not to make choices for them. It is also our job to help them make informed decisions about their care. Women are being misinformed (or uninformed) about the true risks and benefits of medical interventions that have, unfortunately, become part of the routine in labor and delivery. Aspiring to work towards an environment that supports and encourages normal birth and breastfeeding is not “crunchy.” It is practicing evidence-based medicine. Working to create a hospital setting in which doctors, nurses, midwives and doulas can all work together is a tremendous accomplishment. Drs. Chandler and Liem (and Natividad) should be commended for their efforts.

Although a great starting point in the discussion of birth in this community, this article was a bit patronizing. Women who are searching for alternatives to the status quo are doing so after long hours of research… nothing to do with their “organic coconut-and-kale smoothies.” Give the intelligent and well-informed women you’re talking about a tad more credit. - Sarah McCabe | via Web

I can’t remember exactly but I’m probably the doula who stated that I would refer mothers to other doulas if they knew in advance that they wanted an epidural. Of course if a mother planned not to have an epidural and decided in labor that she did need an epidural, I have nothing but respect for her personal decisions, which are made based on new information (i.e. the pain of a Pitocin-induced labor).

The other local doulas do not necessarily feel the same as me and would be happy to take a client who is planning to have an epidural, so it’s not accurate to say that the doula crowd “doesn’t have much patience for moms who choose pain medications.” It wouldn’t even be accurate to say that I as a doula don’t have patience for a mom who chooses an epidural.

Patience is what I do have. Patience to sit with a woman for hours, or days and use my expertise to help her get through her labor and provide natural comforting techniques. If a woman wants an epidural, and knows that in advance, I don’t think it’s a lack of patience, but wisdom to refer her to a doula who could better assist her. And there are many local doulas who could and would locally. - Havanargila | via Web

Signs of the Times

On the sign thing, I’ve been wondering about the efficacy of campaign signs placed either in scenic locations (like along Highway 1 in Big Sur right before the Marathon when we want to put our best foot forward for visitors) or in places outside of the candidates’ districts. (“Squid Fry,” April 26-May 2). Does anyone find these persuasive? Inquiring minds want to know! - Martha Diehl | via Facebook

Milk and Sugar

I was shocked and appalled to see your response to “Concerned Voter” who argued all eligible registered voters should be required to attend candidate debates: “Ideally, all eligible registered voters can’t be required to do anything in a democratic society.” (“Letters,” April 26-May 2). Really? Does that include not requiring people to buy health insurance? Does that include not requiring Catholic hospitals to offer health plans that pay for contraception? I thought you were all for government mandates of stuff that government decides is good for us?

Don’t tell me the Weekly going all Tea Party on us! What will we do for laughs then? - Tom Adams | via Web

Vaccination Nation

Bill Monning and Dr. Pan, do you want the death of my child on your hands? (“Parents cringe over vaccine bill,” April 26-May 2). My daughter has a proven vaccine injury from the pertussis vaccine. I urge people to please read and share and help to the defend the personal belief exemption.

My child almost died from vaccines and there are doctors who suggest that we continue the very vaccine that almost took her life. Our daughter suffered an encephalopathy, rare seizures, global developmental delays, speech delays; she is 8 years old and crawls. She can’t walk or ambulate alone. She has multiple chemical disorders and is allergic to chemicals and preservatives, which cause her to have seizures. There is nowhere, not even the hospital, that is safe for her.

If you think all doctors are going to sign this exemption, you are wrong. They won’t. - Joanedra | via Web

The number of people that have died from [the HPV vaccine] Gardasil is much higher than 71, unfortunately, and there are many other serious side effects in addition to death. As a parent who is aware of this significant risk, I would seriously “go postal” on anyone who forcefully injected my child with dangerous chemicals without my consent.

This is insanity. Pure arrogance by politicians. And to say that financial motivations are not at play is complete hogwash. The pharma industry generates billions from these vaccines… thanks to these paternalistic politicians acting as their salesmen! - Chris Orosco | via Web

Ridiculous that Monning received $9,000 from the CMA and headed up this committee. Amazing how many healthcare workers lined up to voice their support of this bill and that they would “gladly sign exemptions after educating parents.”

Then the next day, when another bill was up for healthcare workers having to get vaccines, everyone was up in arms. So they can force others, but don’t you dare force them. Hypocritical and self-serving is what I think all these healthcare practitioners were who lined up to voice support of AB2109. Of course they support AB2109 – just more control over patients and more office visits forced. Medical schools are training a bunch of robots. I would guess that 90 percent of those who choose not to vaccinate have almost certainly spent more time studying vaccinations than any of these “healthcare workers.” - liverbaileys | via Web

Correction:

Last week’s cover story (“Local hospitals battle for the earthy birth market,” April 26-May 2) reported two licensed midwives in Monterey County. The Birth Network of Monterey County’s Resource Guide lists four licensed midwives and one certified nurse midwife.