RCOG reinstates controversial document

Anyone can make a mistake, and I believe that's what RCOG did in publishing this document. Yet despite the criticism that followed, and despite initially removing the document from its website, RCOG last week reinstated the document via this statement.

RCOG says media reports were "misleading", and so wants "to clarify" some of the controversy that arose - you can decide for yourself whether these statements, for example, clarify RCOG's guidance:

*"It is not meant to restrict services to women."

New guidelines underline low risk for planned CS babies

New guidelines published this week state that for low risk planned cesareans, "the need for vigorous resuscitation is no different from that which occurs in an uncomplicated vaginal birth", further supporting the case Dr. Murphy and I make in our book.

The New Zealand Newborn Services Clinical Guideline, 'Paediatric Attendance at Low Risk, Elective Caesarean Deliveries', reviewed by Malcolm Battin, states [my bold]:

BBC's Jenni Murray says 'Get real!' about birth pain

With the controversial headline, As plans to cut down on epidurals cause a furore, JENNI MURRAY says... Get real, girls! Pain is part of childbirth, Jenni's point of view will undoubtedly have its critics.

But there's a part of her story that might elicit sympathy too, which is something we talk about in our book, and that is the possible adverse effect on a child growing up with a mother who had a traumatic birth. Jenni writes of her own mother, "She never hesitated in regaling me with the horror story of my arrival and the damage it had done to her physically and emotionally."

What is a 'normal' birth? asks BBC Woman's Hour

This morning I was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour alongside Cathy Warwick, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, by presenter Jane Garvey. The topic, 'normal' birth, was chosen on the back of this guidance document for CCGs (still on the RCM's website but removed from RCOG's website last week following complaints) and the subsequent press release from organisations opposed to its contents. You can read the documents above and listen to the Woman's Hour interview here to make up your own mind about what the guidance says.

BBC London and WM radio interviews

On Friday morning (August 31), I was interviewed by Adrian Goldberg on BBC WM and Vanessa Phelps on BBC London. The interviews are only available for a few days on BBCiplayer (although the Vanessa show is not available yet).

Media response to news of guidance for CCGs

Aug 24, Pulse Today: GPs urged to discourage women from 'unnecessary' hospital births, caesareans and epidurals, Sofia Lind

Aug 25, The Skeptical OB: New document on British maternity services is fundamentally unethical, Dr. Amy Tuteur
Aug 28, BF without BS: If this is cost-cutting, just be honest, please

Aug 30, The Sun: Grin ‘n bear it, Plan to cut childbirth pain relief and caesareans, Emma Little and Martyn Halle