a. e. smith’s official website

In honor of my new niece and nephew making their debuts this week, I thought I’d watch a documentary called “The Business of Being Born.” It’s about birthing methods in the United States — typical hospital vs. midwife and home deliveries. Pretty compelling stuff, though I doubt it would make a good date movie (particularly a first date movie…unless you’re hoping to scare off your date). The film asserts that the needs of the mother and child have been overlooked in America, often because it’s financially better for hospitals and insurance companies, or it’s simply more convenient.

One of my friends tried having an at home delivery but had to go to the hospital for a c-section anyhow. I had a friend in college who went on to midwifery school following graduation. And this is a midwife I met while in Ghana last summer:

I’ve never been pregnant, and have no plans to do so in the near future, but the film certainly got me thinking.

Compelling article advising women to “settle” in this month’s Atlantic. More to come later.

“You know, for being such a well-educated population, we sure are stupid.”
I said this today while having a discussion with my work colleague about women, politics and the, um, unique Utah culture. Utah consistently boasts a highly educated workforce that is virtually unparalleled in the United States. Unfortunately that isn’t always obvious when it comes to some issues…especially when it comes to women in leadership.