To the Editor:

The St. Lawrence County Birth Connection (SLCBC) was thrilled with the turnout for BIRTH, the play. Clearly there is an interest in the topic of how, why, when, and with whom people give birth in the North Country. The group is hosting a Community Round Table on Monday, May 14 to continue the conversation about birth and keep the dialogue going.

We want to bring consumers, parents, and birth professionals together to brainstorm ideas and solutions for best supporting birthing people in the North Country. The group aims to increase the use of evidence-based birth practices, expand birthing options, and improve birth experiences for people in the North Country

According to Sarah Oakley, a yoga teacher, doula, and childbirth educator, the SLCBC is trying to increase awareness of birth options locally and expand upon current options. It is important for birthing people to know what their options are. This helps them to make informed choices as a consumer in birth. Having more options for how, where, and with whom a person gives birth in St. Lawrence County is important because then people truly have a choice. When your options are limited, one could argue that you don’t really have a choice.

Studies show that having options and making informed choices in birth can lead to better outcomes and more satisfaction with the birth experience as a whole. Better outcomes and more satisfaction in birth can lead to a better platform for parenting and increased health of our community.

Join in on this evening of conversation Monday, May 14, 6-8pm at the Canton Free Library. Bring your concerns, questions, and goals.

To support the "studies show" comment above: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3392605/Many

Rainbow Crabtree

Nature’s Storehouse, Canton