Birth Culture Essay

The United States boasts one of the highest infant mortality rates in the developed world, ranking 56 next to bordering countries such as Bosnia and Lativa (CIA, 2017). In addition, Infant mortality rates and poor pregnancy outcomes in the United States ranks akin to third world countries (CIA, 2017), suggesting how the medicalization of pregnancy (and the culture and economy it has generated) has attributed to poor pregnancy outcomes in a first world nation (Fordyce, 2013).

Birth culture has always been subjective to its geographic location, even Canada whose birthing outcomes are only slightly higher than the United States implements a higher use of Midwives, home-births, and boast a vibrant birthing culture (Luxen, 2015). For America; however, the process is considerably sterile. Most pregnant women are seen by their medical physician who specializes in obstetrics, or a nurse midwife, whom they see throughout their pregnancy.

It is the most common surgical operation performed in the United States (Menacker & Hamilton, 2010) in addition to being the most common procedure performed for non-emergent purposes (Likis, 2012). Most cesarean deliveries are performed because a pregnancy is taking too long or as a result of Pitocin, a medication used to induce labor naturally (Likis, 2012). But why? In terms of monetary gain, physicians and hospitals are paid more for cesarean deliveries than natural birth (Childbirth Connection, 2012). They are also time effective for staff who need to proceed with additional birthing mother (Likis, 2012). However, birth is not a time-efficient process and the cost of inducing labor or performing unwarranted cesarean sections come with considerable cost. The following outcomes have been proven side effects of cesarean