I’ve been missing the old #5SmartReads format, so please indulge me as I try the shorter, more frequent format for the next few weeks. Thank you, as always, for your paid support for my work. It means the world to me.
These Hospitals Figured Out How to Slash C-Section Rates (New York TImes) This is INCREDIBLE news. And it needs to be shouted from the rooftops. A few simple changes changed the C-section rate significantly—establishing the same reimbursement rate for all births, routing low-risk patients into midwifery care (and expanding midwifery training to OB-GYN nursing departments), and midwives having their own department within a hospital system. And these hold in urban and rural health systems alike. When these changes were made, the C-section rate dropped by whole percentage points, contrasted by increasing rates nationwide. As always, this is a nuanced issue. C-sections are necessary in a fair number of births, and the data shows that they’re not necessary in all of the births they’ve delivered). When we take the profit-as-it’s-always-been out of the issue and focus on patients’ well being, the outcomes improve. Everyone deserves safe healthcare, regardless of where they live. That is what will make America healthy again. 
As much as I want to lean into the gratitude part of Thanksgiving, I find it increasingly harder to do, especially with my kids and my parents. I really loved Brit Koch’s post, and her Reclaimed & Radical guide to have regular conversations with my family that are rooted in decolonization. The term ‘decolonization’ has been interesting to discuss with my parents and aunts and uncles. Many of them lived under British rule and remember when India won independence, and all of them were raised in a newly independent India. And yet, I still see how much of their perspective is rooted in colonialism and in a ‘well, that’s how it’s been.’ I’m here to gently nudge my elders, and raise my sons differently. This guide and Brit’s account has been a great starting point for me. ... Continue reading this post for free in the Substack app
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the adventure is just beginning
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