What the End-of-Life Movement Can Learn From the Natural Childbirth Movement

(Excerpt) Back in the 1970's the Baby Boom generation changed the way babies are born in the U.S. by demanding a more natural approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. This momentous transformation came about through a "perfect storm" of forces that converged over several decades to result in maternity care that was more humane, less medicalized, and more family-centered, according to the book Family Centered Maternity Care by Celeste R. Phillips. Today a similar "perfect storm" seems to be brewing as Baby Boomers approach the later years of their lives and face aging and dying in a society that is fearful and avoidant of these realities. Like childbirth in the 1930's, dying in current times is viewed as a "pathological process" that requires medical intervention and control. Even though some experts say the natural childbirth movement has taken a few steps backward in recent times, there is much to be learned from the evolution of family-centered maternity care in our society. Those of us who long for a similar breakthrough in the end-of-life movement would be wise to study this history and the "lessons learned" from decades of struggle for a humane, respectful and dignified approach to the special event of birth. 3 Key Factors of the "Perfect Storm" In a review of the milestone events of the natural childbirth crusade as presented by Phillips in her book, three key factors stand out that can also be seen in the end-of-life movement: 1. Medical Pioneers ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news