For me, this week's seminar truly stirred some feelings of doubt initially. Being on a path to pursue a career in medicine (MD), I was apprehensive about the lecture by Dr. Doran. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised with here knowledge and depth in which she knew her material. Due to the ever-present stigma of Western medicine vs. Eastern medicine, I have always believed there was something strange about the field of naturopathy. Dr. Doran really changed my viewpoint on this matter entirely. I have come to realize that doctors in this country truly focus on treating the illness, while a naturopath attempts to treat the person. Her calmness and interpersonal skills seem like they are the proper way that medicine should be addressed.
The only aspect that I am still highly sceptical about is the home birthing issue. I agree that the hospital is a difficult environment for a baby and that some of their practises (ie. epidural) may not be wholly conducive to health. (It's amazing how I just assumed that epidural's were safe, I never even considered the implications on oxytocin levels and it speeding up the process unnecessarily). My fear is of home births. I have spoken to my cousin who is a pediatrician and she has consistently told me that 'home births are great, until you have a problem'. Although she stated that the midwives only take on 'low-risk' pregnancies, a large percentage of the risk in pregnancy begins at labour. With no advanced lifesaving tools at their disposal, in the event of a mishap, what can the midwife do? I remain unconvinced of the benefits of home birthing. I condone a natural birth at a hospital without an epidural, I just feel that risking both the mother's and baby's life even if the risk is small is not worth taking. Today we have the means of saving premature babies that would never have survived 30 years ago. I can't imagine the feeling of knowing that a baby's life could have been saved if the mother had delivered in a hospital rather than at home.
I have come to accept that the best way to treat a patient is to take a holistic approach. We must combine all methods that strive to attain optimal health and recovery to the patient. Medicine in North America most definitely could learn a few things from Dr. Doran.
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My children were born at Mt. Sinai which probably speaks volumes to my thoughts on home birth. That said, I also have learned a great deal from Lisa and always look forward to the next time when our paths meet.
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