@sugarplumfairy: Definitely interesting information and blade has given me a lot to read over and think about. [name]Just[/name] an fyi, I have never personally been interested in a home birth. I already have a couple of health issues that I know could cause complications anyway so a hospital is absolutely where I’ll be when the contractions kick in! But yes, our system here in the US is a mess and needs a lot of help - maybe we should look to Norway or Finland instead of the Netherlands, that’s fine too! 
This is a great discussion, but I think it is important to reiterate what I said in an earlier post-- the only valid international comparison for maternity care is the Perinatal Mortality Rate. Only the US and [name]Canada[/name] currently count ALL live-born babies, even micro-preemies who draw just one breath, as live births. [name]EVERY[/name] other first-world country, including Western Europe and Aus/NZ, do not count these babies as alive. When the rates are readjusted for ALL live-born babies, the US has the literal BEST perinatal mortality rate in the world.
Anyone intellectually honest enough to challenge some old, dearly-held assertions should read this paper. It’s the most important one, and it’s a British-Canadian paper, not an American one.
Oh please. I’d be much more interested in debating this with you if you didn’t come off so incredibly arrogant. Your own assertions seem to be very dearly-held, I will say.
Wasn’t trying to say everyone should have a home birth 
I do think they are a valid option - in fact stats support they are the safest option for 2nd time low-risk mothers, but I had a hospital birth with my first and wouldn’t be totally adverse to birthing in hospital again. In [name]New[/name] Zealand, of course 
@milasmama: I know you weren’t implying that! I think home births can be fantastic too. [name]One[/name] of my good friends just had her baby girl here at home, in Las [name]Vegas[/name], and it was perfect and smooth and beautiful (she had a friend photograph it and the photos make me bawl every. single. time.). And many of my family members have had great home births (in the Netherlands). Unfortunately, I’ve just had enough health issues myself to not trust my own body enough to do things correctly. I have an almost completely fused spine, heart rhythm issues, etc. etc. etc… We are lucky my husband currently has insurance so we can afford the hospital option too - that’s another, separate but very important issue, here in the states too. Are there any quality hospitals or anything in the Maldives where you are? I’d be so nervous to be isolated, away from high quality care.
By the way, I absolutely adore your little girl’s name, [name]Mila[/name] [name]Arden[/name] - such an incredibly beautiful combination!!!
Hey all I’m not up on research and statistics but just wanted to share my experience. I would definitely check in with your provider about their feelings/experiences toward inductions and c sections. I had the choice between an older “old school” OB/GYN and a younger, more “surgically oriented” OB/GYN (unfortunately, midwives aren’t available in my area- Rural [name]New[/name] Mexico). I went with the older doctor because she seemed more open to letting things progress naturally and just generally seemed more comfortable with the process.
I spoke to my doc about her C section rate around the 20th week and she was proud to tell me that it was much lower than the national average or the state average, and was less than half the rate of the younger doc in practice. But she was also quick to tell me that if a C section was needed, she was going to do it no questions asked and reminded me that C sections save lives in many cases when they’re indicated.
I was 40 weeks 5 days when my doctor advised me to be admitted and start the induction process. She had noticed some calcifications on the placenta and advised that my daughter be deliver sooner rather than later. So I had an induction at a hospital in the US and while it wasn’t the birth I was planning to have, it went well and the outcome was that I had my beautiful, healthy girl vaginally (hooray!). They did use pitocin and it wasn’t as horrible as most people make it out to be. My water broke on its own and I got the epidural about 4 hours later, when I was 6 cm dilated. I labored for 8 more hours, began pushing at 10pm and had her an hour later. It was a LOOOOONG process (I was admitted [name]Wednesday[/name] at 5pm and had Aniella at 11pm on Friday) and I wish someone would have told me that most inductions for first timers are very very long. I was expecting to have my baby by Thursday lunch! and was very disappointed when I was still in labor. I was hardly dilated at all after 24 hours of pitocin and my doctor even gave me the option to go home until the following monday and then come back in and try again! Out fear and exhaustion, I declined that offer and decided to try pitocin again the next day (Friday), with the understanding that if I didn’t work, I would have a c section on [name]Saturday[/name].
All things considered, I may try to wait a little longer with my 2nd baby as to avoid another induction (obviously only if everything is progressing well and babe is healthy). I agree with you about the US handling labor and delivery from an illness/disease model, and would have much rather preferred a more natural birth. However, I don’t have any regrets about Aniella’s birth and am just happy that we’re both healthy. So my advice to speak to your provider, let him/her know your wishes, but to keep a very open mind and a flexible spirit.
Good luck and let us know what happens!
@andiecagg: Thank you so much for sharing your story! Always nice to hear an experience that ended positively. And your perspective is exactly right and the one I’m going to do my best to maintain: listen to the doctors, keep an open mind, know myself and my body, but be able to go with the flow. I will definitely be bringing this conversation up at my next OB visit (which isn’t until the end of [name]July[/name] but ok, lots of time to prepare)!
@cvdutch, thank you!
Your decision to birth in a hospital sounds sensible and well thought out. Back to the original topic, here are two links on the pros & cons of epidural and inductions:
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10652&ClickedLink=1072&area=27
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10183&ClickedLink=262&area=27
The site in general has lots of very good info.
Also I would,d strongly suggest hiring a doula if you are interested in a natural birth or even if you are OK with having an epidural. They can help with natural pain relief, help keep you focused, give moral support to your husband, act as advocates to help you with making decisions and making sure your wishes are heard.
@jmsr823: My husband did some reading on doulas too and he is all about hiring one. I’m a bit afraid of the cost but it sounds like a fantastic idea. Anyone have any suggestions on how to find one (a good one)? [name]Do[/name] you interview a few first? Any ballpark estimates on cost? Thanks again!
[name]Christine[/name], my hospital has a free doula service, so you might want to ask around at your hospitals. I haven’t utilized the free service, just cause it’s not really my thing, but it’s nice that they offer it. At my hospital, you have to sign up for a doula by week 26, so you might want to start looking soon. My hospital also has a free “special nurse” service that is similar to a doula, but perhaps a bit less involved. That might be enough assistance for you also. Good luck! And just remember with all of this, no matter what methods, interventions, or medicines you use, the ultimate goal is a healthy baby and a healthy mom. If you accomplish those two things, the birth is a success, and you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about
A doula is a great idea. I didn’t have one but would consider the idea next time. In fact, I did consider it last time but the cost was a factor for us.
http://americanpregnancy.org/members/doulas
From What Is A Doula | 11 Important Facts About Doulas the section on cost:
"This varies greatly dependant on experience, the state the doula is located in and what packages are on offer. A package offering pre and post-natal visits (generally around 2 hours long each) as well as the duration of the birth can cost around $800-$1000 for an experienced doula in most states, but others charge up to $2,000.
Inexperienced doulas usually charge a much lower fee which can vary from ‘costs only’ (e.g. petrol, travel) to around $250-$300. Most doulas offer reduced rates for those in genuine need. Student doulas who are looking for births to complete their training often have no charge at all. Its a great option for those who are pressed for money or want to help a doula qualify from her training."
Also doulamatch.net. I’m in Western NY and my doula has a phenomenal reputation, has served at over $300 births. We are only paying $400 for her services, but I think that is a pretty average rate for this part of the state. Definitely depends on where you live. I posted another post earlier but it must not have been approved yet. It was a list of suggested books and websites. I’ll check back in and see if it got approved, if not I’ll post again. But you are absolutely right to be concerned/cautious of induction with pitocin.