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Register for “At The Heart of Birth” free video series here.
Video 2 can be viewed here.
Interviewed in this Video:
Dr. Marlena Du Toit, Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA
Sr. Glynnis Garrod, Birth Options, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA
Doula Harriet Came, Bloom Yoga, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA
Alda Smith, Love Alda Birth Photography & Mentoring
Additional Resources of Interest:
More about At the Heart of Birth Free Series
The Compassionate Birth, by Alda Smith
Please note:
Birth professionals featured in this video may not necessarily endorse viewpoints of others featured. The idea of the video is to give you an objective overview. Each professional can only support his / her own statements.
Alda Smith is not a medical professional and do not give clinical advice. Instead she focuses on the emotional, practical & communication aspects of the birth process. Parents should at all times seek professional support in their birth journeys.
Johann Smith says
Hi there,
Well done. Love your work.
Danielle Court says
This morning I watched video 1 – The Compassionate Birth. What I enjoyed so much is that the heart behind what was shared was to empower and support pregnant women . During my pregnancy I’ve come across so many strong opinions, judgmental attitudes, even, about all sorts of aspects about pregnancy, but especially about the way you choose to deliver. There’s also pressure, even though usually not expressly articulated, to do “the right thing”, when what is best for each mom, partner and baby may be different. I feel that women should share honestly with each other, support and encourage each other, rather than trying to impose our own views and experiences.
This video was informative in an unbiased and truly non-judgmental way. It made me feel encouraged – to be confident in the choices I’ve made, to ask even more questions than I have already, and to approach the upcoming birth of my son with a thrill in my heart.
Marina says
I have a question, maybe it is stupid one, does woman
need to have both primary and secondary birth team,
or shall she choose one of the options?
alda says
Hello Marina. That is not a stupid question. Unless you give birth unassisted and at home you will always have a primary birth team (with OBG / Private Midwife or both leading the team). If you give birth in hospital you will always have both a primary birth team and a secondary birth team (hospital midwife, nurses etc). In some instances the hospital appointed midwife forms part of and heads up your primary birth team (often in state hospitals and at some active birthing clinics where OBG’s are only there for back up / in case of a c-section). Hope that helps!
Marina says
thank you for your reply. If I understand, the one team that the woman uses is the primary team right? Is the secondary team there only for a backup? Is it a woman’s responsibility to choose professionals for both teams separately ?
Thanks
alda says
Hello there. If a woman gives birth in a hospital she will have a primary *and* secondary birth team (whether labour or a c-section). The secondary team in natural birth will be headed by the hospital-appointed midwife. In some hospitals (e.g. state) this secondary team will actually lead your birth (in a way becoming your primary team) and only be backed by a OBG in case of a c-section. In most instances mothers can not choose their secondary team (her choices are limited to *where* she gives birth) but there are ways to influence it which is covered in the video.
Marina says
Hi,
thanks for clearing that up for me 🙂
and thank you again for all the helpful info !