Accustomization In Birth

Accustomization (noun): creating a feeling of normalcy when the research or evidence clearly points in a different direction. (accustomize ~ verb).

Ok, so you won't find this in Webster's or on Wikipedia. I just made it up.

Well sorta.

I just put a name to it.

Birth is a normal event. However, the pregnant community, and quite possibly the professional maternity community, is being accustomized to feel that birth (more often than not) is a crisis waiting to happen.

VBAC is as safe as it used to be. However, the pregnant community, and quite possibly the professional maternity community, is being accustomized to believe that VBAC is dangerous. A caveat to that might be when double stitching of the uterus is not done; only single stitching is done.

Epidural Anesthesia has significant side effects for mother, the labor, and the baby. However, the pregnant community, and quite possibly the professional maternity community, is being accustomized to believe that epidurals are safe.

Midwifery care is great prenatal care and great labor/birth care. However, the pregnant community, and quite possibly the professional maternity community, is being accustomized to believe that if one uses a midwife, all care is substandard.

Um, do you see a pattern here?

There is definitely a pattern of accustomization.

It is time that birth professionals recognize the efforts to accustomize and place evidence based principles over tradition and policy.

We not only need to be the beacon of light but a mirror of truth.

We need to speak the truth, teach the truth and stand firm on the research-based ground.