By Susana Fierro-Baig
“As doctors and midwives learn their profession through materials tainted by this theory, their protocols naturally reflect the dogma they have been indoctrinated with.”
In 1 Thess. 4:3-5, Paul speaks of the importance of the Saints knowing “how to possess (her) vessel in sanctification and honour,” unlike the “Gentiles which know not God.”
These words come to mind when I consider the nature of hospital birthing. Such is a place full of “Gentiles” who do not perceive things in the same manner as the Saints do, (or should), because they do not know God. The medical system is based on a belief system that is in some ways oppositional to Christianity, as are the protocols adhered to as the result of an erroneous paradigm.
For instance, the medical system promotes the theory of evolution. This theory affects the system’s approach to pregnancy and childbirth. As doctors and midwives learn their profession through materials tainted by this theory, their protocols (i.e. continuous fetal monitoring, frequent vaginal exams, movement restriction, augmentation of labor, induction, routine episiotomy, etc.) naturally reflect the dogma they have been indoctrinated with.
A friend of mine, who herself gave birth unassisted with the assistance of her husband, and who is now studying to become a certified-nurse midwife has been made to study in her anthropology class- “The Evolution of Human Birth.” The entire commentary used to be online. The following is an excerpt from it:
“Humans, who walk upright, have evolved with a differently shaped pelvis, with a narrowed pelvic inlet…. and it is not possible for the laboring woman to pull out the infant without the risk of hurting its spine and neck. Extracting the infant upwards when its head emerges would go against the normal flexion of the infant’s spine. Therefore, the woman giving birth usually needs assistance in easing out the infant.”
This statement is erroneous and exemplifies why Christians, who understand that God CREATED a woman to give birth, must consider how our perceptions of birth have been formed by the medical systems “doctrine.”
This statement is also self-serving. The premise that a woman’s pelvic outlet has evolved, making a woman incapable to birth without assistance supports a technocratic, bio-medical model of birth.
It is through faith in Christ, as Creator and One-Sufficient-to-Atone for man’s sins, that mankind can believe that women were designed for birth, and that in most cases- as in at least 85% of the time, she can birth without interference and complication, and, yes- she can even catch her own baby.
That is an amazing statement for most people, as most people’s birth perceptions have been formed via the influence of the medical system. If you are having a hard time believing that a woman can deliver herself of a child- without needing medication, an enlargement of her vaginal opening via scissors, a cesarean section, or other “assistance,” check out the following link: Charts of a woman in the upright position for birth.
For those women who believe such is possible and want to catch their own babies, the following statement by a mother of 9, who has given birth unassisted several times as well as twice solo (completely alone), may be helpful.
I’m squeamish about the slipperyness of my baby so I use a “cat hold.” That is, I encircle my thumb and forefinger around one of the arms. I feel more secure this way.
The results of applying our faith to the process of birth will be unique, as the Spirit guides each couple to what is right for their situation. For some it may lead to birthing in the hospital and for others it may lead to birthing at home.
Wherever the Spirit guides us, may we all remember the words of Isaiah:
Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things… That frustrateth the tokens of the liars… that turneth wise men backward, and make their knowledge foolish…