The cultural fear is so intense that many Brazilian women are terrified of experiencing even the slightest contraction and believe that a vaginal birth will damage their bodies irreparably. Secondly, the physicians and pediatricians do not practice in groups and must be on call for their private patients 24/7.

The media seems to focus exclusively on celebrity mothers' post partum exercise routines or nursery décor! Personally, I am not so interested in how fast so-and-so got back into shape after baby -- but I am REALLY interested in hearing about other women's births.

Giving birth to my child naturally was not about politics, nor adventure. It was about what was best for both of us. I felt the need to protect our first moments together, to bond, and as a result of following my gut, I acquired a purpose in life.

Why does it matter if a mother's prenatal visits are 10 minutes long or last more than an hour? Why does it matter if the care provider at her birth is someone she has built a trusting relationship with over 9 months or a stranger-on-call?

Here is the reality: Hospitals are businesses. They want those beds filled and emptied. And there is something else you should know: Having a baby in a hospital might not be as safe as you thought.