I had the honor of knowing and working with this incredible woman. She will be missed. Godspeed Jana - love Jennie!

Jana Borino - December 5, 1964 - February 13, 2009

By Susan Hodges with Henci Goer

On February 26 2004, Henci Goer and Susan Hodges presented "Economic Disincentives for Mother-Friendly Care: How economic considerations shape conventional obstetric care" at the 2nd Mother-Friendly Childbirth Forum held by CIMS near Washington, D.C. This article is based on that presentation.

When two Austin, TX hospitals both got rid of the nurse-midwives practicing there, a news quote caught my attention: "The closings, although not related, are being done for a similar reason: Midwife deliveries are not big moneymakers [my emphasis], people associated with the programs said." ("Midwifery programs are closing," 05/14/02 Austin American Statesman.)

When many studies have shown conclusively that midwifery care is "cost effective," why are so many nurse-midwife practices being closed, and why were midwives being called "not big moneymakers"? These questions prompted me to start learning about the economics of health care, and especially of hospitals.

The Maternity Care Business

Breastfeed Your Baby!

This article courtesy of Four Winds Nutrition Club

Cow's Milk is the "Perfect Food"... for Baby Calves

But Many Doctors Agree it is Not Healthy for Humans
by Michael Dye (excerpts)

People who have been taught that cow's milk is the "perfect food" may be shocked to hear many prominent medical doctors are now saying dairy consumption is a contributing factor in nearly two dozen diseases of children and adults.

To receive CIMS designation as "mother-friendly," a hospital, birth center, or home birth service must carry out our philosophical principles by fulfilling the Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care:

A mother-friendly hospital, birth center, or home birth service: