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Balance, Sustainability and Parenthood"

Hospitals: A Business, Not a Place for Empowered Birth

Let’s be real—hospitals are businesses, not sanctuaries for nurturing life. They may wear the mask of care and compassion, but in the reality of modern medicine, the goal is profit, efficiency, and control, not empowerment, well-being, or the long-term health of mothers and babies. For too long, women have been sold the myth that hospitals are where we should go to give birth, but what’s been hidden behind those sterile walls is a system that’s disempowered us, monetized our pain, and, in many cases, hurt our most vulnerable—our babies and ourselves.

The Profits Behind Your Birth

When you walk into a hospital, do you think you’re stepping into a healing space? Or do you know, deep down, that you’re entering a for-profit business, where your birth is just another transaction?

Hospitals, for all their comforting slogans about “care” and “support,” operate within a profit-driven healthcare system. Birth is one of the most natural, sacred, and intimate experiences in a woman’s life, but in the hospital setting, it has been stripped of that sacredness and commodified. Every intervention—every test, every procedure, every epidural—adds another layer to the bill.

Hospitals thrive off medical interventions. Cesarean sections, inductions, episiotomies, and other procedures are so common that you might assume they’re “just part of the process.” But unnecessary interventions are a cash cow. Hospitals are incentivized to speed up the birth process, pushing women through labor with chemicals, machines, and timed routines. This makes for a tidy, efficient business model—except for one thing: the people in this system. Women and children are no longer seen as individuals in need of unique care; instead, they’re reduced to numbers on a balance sheet.

The Power Shift: From Mothers to Medical Staff

Let’s talk about control. When you step into a hospital to give birth, you’re entering a world where your autonomy is suddenly in question. Women’s bodies have been medicalized, turned into things that need constant intervention. Every moment of your birth may be dictated by doctors and nurses, with your input often minimized or ignored. Why? Because the hospital system operates on the idea that medical professionals know better—a mentality that strips women of their right to make decisions about their own bodies.

This is not just about not being listened to—it’s about giving away your power. Hospitals often dictate how and when you give birth: how you position your body, when you can eat or drink, whether you can labor in a tub, when your baby is born, and, often, what medications are administered. For many women, the hospital experience is a disempowering, disorienting blur where they feel they have no say. This is trauma in the making.

The Hidden Crisis: Maternal Mortality and Racial Injustice

But what about the women who survive? We can’t ignore the staggering and disturbing truth about maternal mortality, especially in communities of color. According to the CDC, Black women in America are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Think about that: in the country with the most advanced medical technology in the world, Black women are dying at horrific rates because their pain is ignored, their concerns dismissed, and their voices silenced.

The system fails them. Not because it doesn’t have the resources, but because it’s designed to profit from pain and neglects those who need care the most. It’s a form of systemic racism that plays out in every facet of the hospital experience, from the lack of proper maternal care to the mistreatment of Indigenous and Black women who aren’t listened to, aren’t believed, and aren’t cared for with the respect they deserve.

The Tragedy of Indigenous Communities

For Indigenous communities, the trauma of hospitals runs even deeper. Colonization has already stolen so much from these communities—now, hospitals continue to enforce a system that actively undermines their practices, their traditions, and their very relationship with birth. For generations, Indigenous women have been treated as lesser in the eyes of the medical establishment. Traditional birthing practices—which respected the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous cultures—were forcibly displaced by a white, patriarchal medical system that EXCLUDE the value in these ancient rituals on purpose!

Today, Indigenous women are still disproportionately affected by poor birth outcomes and disrespectful care in hospitals. Their births, their bodies, and their babies are often treated as clinical data points rather than precious, spiritual events. This disconnection from their own heritage and empowerment is devastating, and it continues to cause intergenerational trauma.

Trauma for Mothers, Trauma for Babies

The effects of a traumatic birth don’t just stop with the mother. The baby, the tiny soul that has just entered the world, also feels the energy of the birth experience. What happens when a woman is disempowered during labor? What happens when she’s not supported emotionally or physically, when the system treats her like a commodity? That trauma ripples out to her baby. The fight-or-flight response triggered by a stressful, over-medicalized birth process can affect the baby’s immediate and long-term health.

Newborns can experience higher stress levels due to interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction, or even the separation from their mothers during delivery. The emotional bond between mother and baby is also disrupted by early separations and the lack of immediate skin-to-skin contact—something so crucial for early bonding and breastfeeding. And we can’t forget how episiotomies and C-sections can affect the baby’s first moments, especially if they lead to a longer recovery process for the mother.

Reclaiming Our Power: The Need for Change

The question isn’t just, “Why does the hospital system fail women?” The bigger question is: Why do we allow it to continue?

It’s time to reclaim our power, to trust our bodies, and to reject the idea that birth is a medical emergency rather than a natural, sacred event. We need to dismantle the narrative that hospitals are the only place where safe birth can happen. And we need to acknowledge that birth doesn’t need to be a transaction, a business deal, or an exercise in medical efficiency. Birth is life.

Instead of handing over our power, we need to build systems of care that empowers women, that listen to their voices, and that honors our wisdom. We need to create spaces—whether in homes, birthing centers, or hospitals—that celebrate women’s autonomy and support healthy, trauma-free births.

We need to tell the truth about what’s happening behind those hospital walls: that they are businesses, not safe spaces for women and children. And we need to demand a shift in how we approach birth—one that centers the power, dignity, and respect of the mother and the baby, not the hospital’s bottom line.


FACTS ABOUT HOW LYING IN THE HOSPITAL BED & GIVING BIRTH DO NOT BENIFIT YOU!

Lying on Your Back: The Worst Way to Give Birth

Let’s talk about one of the most common practices in hospital births: lying on your back to give birth. Believe it or not, this is one of the worst positions for both mother and baby. Hospitals often default to this position because it’s easier for the medical staff to manage—but it’s not what’s best for you or your baby.

Here’s why:

  1. Gravity Doesn’t Help Birth is a process that works with gravity—but lying on your back actually fights gravity. When you’re flat on your back, it’s harder for the baby to descend into the birth canal. Gravity is your best friend during labor, helping the baby move down naturally. When you lie down, gravity is no longer working with you.

  2. Narrowed Pelvis Lying down actually narrows the pelvis, which makes it harder for the baby to pass through. When you’re upright, squatting, or even on all fours, the pelvis opens up naturally, giving more room for the baby to move. A narrow pelvis increases the risk of complications like shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck), and often leads to more interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction.

  3. Increased Pain and Interventions Being flat on your back can actually increase pain. You’re not able to move, change positions, or find a comfort spot. This often leads women to seek pain relief, like an epidural, which then leads to longer labors, more interventions, and higher rates of C-sections. The longer and more complicated the labor, the more medical interventions come into play.

  4. Tearing and Episiotomy Lying on your back also increases the risk of tearing and often leads to an episiotomy, which is a surgical cut to enlarge the vaginal opening. The perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) is more likely to tear when you’re lying down because the muscles aren’t in the most relaxed position. But in an upright position, like squatting or being on all fours, the perineum is more relaxed, which can actually reduce the likelihood of tearing.

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Why I Chose Cloth Diapers: A Sustainable and Healthier Option for My Family

Seventeen years ago, I began using cloth diapers for my children when they were newborns. My main motivation wasn’t necessarily to save money, but to avoid the harmful chemicals found in disposable diapers and reduce the massive environmental impact they have. Every month, over 20 billion disposable diapers are used in the U.S. alone, and more than 300 million diapers are thrown away each day. These diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills, creating a long-lasting environmental impact on our planet.

Studies have also shown that children tend to be potty trained faster when using cloth diapers because they can actually feel the wetness, unlike disposable diapers, which absorb moisture away from the skin.

That said, I’m not here to judge how others choose to parent. My goal is to share some facts and alternatives that could help make a positive difference for both our planet and future generations. There are plenty of benefits for parents who make the switch to cloth diapers, and the process is really not as difficult or unpleasant as it might sound.

My Experience with Cloth Diapers

I want to be honest and share the reality of how I approached cloth diapering. While I used cloth diapers about 90% of the time, I didn’t cloth diaper 24/7. There were times, especially at night, when I used disposable diapers just to get some sleep. As a new parent, sometimes the balance of practicality and environmentalism requires flexibility. After all, it’s important to remember that perfection doesn’t exist in parenting, and the key is to find what works best for your family.

That’s why I’m writing this blog—not to promote an all-or-nothing approach, but to let you know that there are options available, and you can make a positive impact in small ways. Whether you cloth diaper most of the time or just part of the time, it’s about doing what feels right for your family and finding that balance. Parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making informed choices that align with your values while taking care of yourself and your baby.

Environmental Impact and Financial Benefits of Cloth Diapers

Each year, more than 3.5 million tons of disposable diapers are added to landfills in the U.S. alone. The materials used in disposable diapers, such as plastics and super-absorbent gels, take centuries to break down. Meanwhile, the average baby will go through around 6,000 to 8,000 disposable diapers in their first two years, contributing significantly to the growing waste problem.

In contrast, cloth diapers can be reused for many years, and are much more environmentally friendly. Cloth diapers are often made from natural fibers like cotton, Linen bamboo, or hemp, and can last through multiple children, making them a long-term investment.

How Much Can Parents Save?

Cloth diapering can be a significant financial saving. The average cost of disposable diapers for one child over the course of two to three years can range from $1,500 to $3,000. On the other hand, the upfront cost for cloth diapers is typically around $300 to $500 (depending on the brand and quantity purchased), and these can last through multiple children.

Considering the environmental and financial benefits, making the switch to cloth diapers is a win on many fronts.

Chemicals in Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers often contain several harmful chemicals that can come into contact with a baby’s sensitive skin. Some of the chemicals commonly found in disposable diapers include:

  • Dioxins – Toxic byproducts of the bleaching process that have been linked to cancer and reproductive issues.

  • Phthalates – Chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, which can interfere with hormone production and are linked to developmental issues.

  • Fragrances – These can contain allergens or irritants and may contribute to skin sensitivities or respiratory problems.

  • Sodium polyacrylate – The super-absorbent gel that is used in disposable diapers, which has been linked to toxic shock syndrome in some cases.

By choosing cloth diapers, you avoid exposing your baby to these harmful chemicals, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re taking a safer, more natural approach.

A Simple Guide for First-Time Parents to Cloth Diapering

If you’re considering cloth diapering, here’s a simple guide to get started:

  1. Choose Your Cloth Diapers: There are several types of cloth diapers:

    • Pre-folds: Rectangular pieces of fabric that need to be folded and fastened with pins or a diaper cover.

    • All-in-ones (AIOs): Diapers with built-in absorbency and waterproof covers, just like disposables.

    • Pocket Diapers: Diapers with a pocket where you insert absorbent inserts.

    • Fitted Diapers: These are similar to AIOs but need a separate cover.

  2. How Many Diapers Do You Need?: A typical stash for one baby is around 20-30 diapers. This will give you enough to last between washings.

  3. Washing Cloth Diapers:

    • Pre-rinse: After each use, rinse the diaper to remove waste.

    • Wash: Use a gentle detergent and wash your diapers in warm water. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, as they can reduce absorbency.

    • Drying: You can air dry or machine dry your diapers, but air drying is gentler on the fabric.

  4. Diaper Covers: If using pre-folds or pocket diapers, you’ll need a waterproof cover to prevent leaks. These can be reused multiple times before washing.

  5. Cloth Wipes: Consider using cloth wipes, which are a natural complement to cloth diapers. You can make your own wipe solution or buy pre-made options.

Cloth diapering is about making choices that work for your family, not about being perfect. While it offers environmental and financial benefits, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Finding balance is key—whether you cloth diaper full-time, part-time, or just occasionally. Every small step counts towards a healthier planet and a safer future for your child. Explore your options, do what feels right, and know that every effort matters.

Here are some cloth diaper brands owned by small businesses:

  • Esembly Baby: Offers try-it kits

  • Forever My Babies: A Black-owned brand that donates diapers to families in need and supports social justice initiatives

  • Pooters: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

  • Shine Cloth: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

  • Little MuffinCakes: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

  • Nappy Bunz: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

Other cloth diaper brands include:

  • bumGenius: Offers one-size, one-piece diapers made of 100% organic cotton

  • GroVia: Offers a hybrid diaper with snap-in liners that can be reused

  • Gerber: Offers affordable, traditional cotton prefold diapers

  • Thirsties: Offers a Duo Wrap cover that can be used with prefolds

  • LKC and Me: A brand that focuses on sustainability, quality, and innovative design

  • Ruvanti: Offers 100% cotton, flat-fold cloth diapers

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