Lawyer of the USA

Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First

Description

In this rare, behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in hospitals across the country, a longtime medical insider and international authority on childbirth assesses the flawed American maternity care system, powerfully demonstrating how it fails to deliver safe, effective care for both mothers and babies. Written for mothers and fathers, obstetricians, nurses, midwives, scientists, insurance professionals, and anyone contemplating having a child, this passionate exposé documents how, in the most expensive maternity care system in the world, women have lost control over childbirth and what the disturbing results of this phenomenon have been. Born in the USA examines issues including midwifery and the safety of out-of-hospital birth, how the process of becoming a doctor can adversely affect both practitioners and their patients, and why there has been a rise in the use of risky but doctor-friendly interventions, including the use of Cytotec, a drug that has not been approved by the FDA for pregnant women. Most importantly, this gripping investigation, supported by many troubling personal stories, explores how women can reclaim the childbirth experience for the betterment of themselves and their children.
Born in the USA tells:
* Why women are 70% more likely to die in childbirth in America than in Europe
* What motivates obstetricians to use dangerous and unnecessary drugs and procedures
* How the present malpractice crisis has been aggravated by the fear of accountability
* Why procedures such as cesarean section and birth inductions are so readily used

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-05-17
Summary: "A MUST READ!!!!!"

This book was an eye opener for me. It is well organized, researched and annotated by Dr. Wagner, who has incredible credentials. Anyone who is pregnant should read this book before choosing a obstetrician, midwife, doula, etc. The facts are staggering and overwhelming that we live in the US and our maternity care is so unbelieveably sub standard.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-05-16
Summary: "eye opening book"

Inside view into practice of obstetrics and its bulldozing and bullying of doctors and patients.
Lots of food for thought!

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-10-14
Summary: "Great info"

This is a great book with excellent information based on facts and research. It opens your eyes to the reality that is our maternity system in the US. I highlighted so much in the book that I went through 2 highlighters! The book is organized in easy to read chapters that explain the technical items in ways that fill in all of the blanks and answer questions. I recommend this book to anyone about to give birth. It's a tool any expectant mothers needs in order to ensure she is providing the best care for her new baby and herself. Education and knowledge are so important in this most important step in life.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-09-17
Summary: "Well worth the read!"

Well worth the read. Incredibly informative particularly being pregnant for the first time!!! Countless research to back his information and good perspective on healthcare in other countries that have better outcomes.... Convinced us to switch to a midwife!

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Rating: 3 / 5
Date: 2009-08-13
Summary: "Does not meet expectations"

Although the author has commendable credentials, the book itself is poorly written. It contains chapter after chapter of redundancies, numerous ambiguous examples, and citations that are not true citations but are extensions on what the author has written within the text. There are several other textbooks and books on maternal care/women's health that are better written, better organized, properly edited, and therefore make a better read. The author spends too many pages emphasizing the ills of the ACOG and Cytotec yet skims over other (non-political) factors that also significantly contribute to the current state of maternal care in the US. The ambiguity of some of the examples leaves you questioning whether you should believe all the author has to say. While eye-opening for the most part, after a few chapters, you will undoubtedly find yourself skimming ahead and scratching your head.