"I Never Thought of That"

Those were the words sent to me from a woman after I suggested she ask questions about the place she planned to deliver.  

I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT.

I know, you are just *dying* to know the questions I suggested, right?

Here goes:

-how long will I be separated from my baby after s/he is born?

-what is your c/s rate? (specific numbers)

-what is your vbac rate? (specific numbers)

-are you baby friendly certified?

-what are your post-birth policies (deep suctioning, transition nursery time, recovery room time, etc)

-what % of your babies are admitted to the nicu?  (and don't let the "high-risk" answer pull the wool over your eyes)

-what is the average cost of a vaginal/cesarean birth at your facility?

-what % of your mothers give birth without any drugs?

I never thought of that...is that REALLY what we're up against?  Is that really what all this work I/we are doing is for--just to get women THINKING?!  Just thinking?!

I mean, seriously, I realize we live an automated society where if anything has an option of "do the work" or "press the button" 9.9 times out of 10 people will chose "press the button".  

I've been doing this for three years.  Walking this path for three years.  Spouting the same thing for three years.  I guess what gets me is that my sense bewilderment never goes away.  Bewildered at the thought that so many women are just sheeple and will do whatever society dictates because they never thought to ask a question or two and then actually assimilate the information.

I guess I never thought of that.