I think I have to be very, very careful when I'm older and possibly retired to avoid getting into the habit of writing letters to the editor. I think I could become a very frequent contributor if I had enough time on my hands. I just submitted a letter to the editor in response to this editorial.

And here's my letter:

I am writing in response to the editorial in the July 10th issue concerning midwifery in South Dakota. The editorial board wrote: "What benefits doctors and hospitals shouldn't even be a consideration. All we need to consider are the risks and benefits to mother and child. Period."

I couldn’t agree more. It would be incredibly naïve, however, to think that the current system operates on the basis of what benefits mothers and children most. I don’t believe it’s for the benefit of women and children that most cesarean sections that are performed are not medically necessary, that many are done simply for the convenience of the doctor or the mother. I don’t believe it’s for the benefit of women and children that many women are given drugs such as epidurals or pitocin during labor without being told the risks that range from an increased chance or cesarean sections or other intervention or difficulty in breastfeeding.

Statistics have been available for years showing that homebirth is as safe or safer than hospital births. Statistics also show that midwfe-attended births dramatically decrease the use of medications or the number of cesarean sections or episiotomies performed.

There will always be women who do need to give birth in hospitals for one reason or another. But if the current trend of treating pregnancy and labor as a disease, as something that must be medically managed, continues, then women and children will never be given the care that would truly benefit them.

Women also need to be informed consumers. Following the advice of a doctor or a midwife simply because they say so and without researching for yourself is unwise. Ultimately it is up to the woman to weigh the risks and benefits, but what good does that do if she doesn’t even have an option?

Other than that, I haven't done much public voicing of my opinion today. Accalia went to the dentist this morning. No cavities! Woo hoo! The hygenist attempted to clean her teeth, but it really freaked Accalia out. She had maybe two teeth cleaned before she started crying a little and reaching for me. After the appointment, we talked about it and decided it would really help her if we bought one of those toothbrushes that spins around and around so she can get used to the polishing tool.

I have a dental appointment in 1 1/2 weeks, and I'm looking forward to that. I've had this little chip on one of my front teeth since last November, I think, but I just haven't gotten around to making an appointment. I'm a little overdue for a cleaning, too.

I'd better take this opportunity with Cole napping and Accalia almost asleep to do a little training with Lucy.