Anyone going to their local Improving Birth rally coming up next month? I wasn't originally, but recently a passion for birth & women's dignity had been rekindled as I've learned of:

**one mom who was forced into an unnecessary cesarean (was told she couldn't change her mind b/c she already signed the papers)
**another that almost died during her cesarean that was a result of a non-medically needed induction that failed (she was persuaded by her obgyn it was needed since her baby was "big" despite her having birthed 3 babies naturally before).. she needed multiple surgeries & was out of work & in & out of the hospital for 4 mths (she almost lost her job & insurance in this time)
**another mom that was a friend of a mom in our vbac group that DID die during a planned cesarean for a breech baby (she was not given a choice)
**and another mom that had such a traumatic vaginal birth that she won't have anymore kids & she still cries when recounting the experience a year later. (13 months after having her daughter I am the only person she's told what happened to)

Three of these women I know personally and they are 3 of 5 friends that have given birth over the last two year. It makes me sad & makes me what to do something to change things! I know that these experiences aren't *always* the case (and I'm not trying to "scare" anyone), but even seeing some of the birth experiences here on hb make me feel it happens more than it should.....

Anyone in your life (maybe yourself) make you want to "Improve Birth" too?
http://rallytoimprovebirth.com/