Natural Childbirth a multi-million dollar industry?

I've seen this article once before, but Nicole's most recent blog brought it back up. She did a much better job of debunking the misconceptions that were presented than I would, so go on over and read it too.

There are so many things that get me about this doctor's comments but I would really love to interview him and find out his basis for this comment,

“Natural childbirth has become a multimillion-dollar industry. The fear of
epidurals is promoted by those who discourage their use - and who have a
vested interest in doing so."

What vested interest, exactly? Is there a monetary gain to be had from encouraging women NOT to spend thousands of dollars on analgesia during labor? Actually, come to think of it, insurance companies could certainly turn a profit from this practice but if they had realized it don't you think they'd be doing more to support out of hospital births? Homebirth midwives and birthing center fees in our area range from about $2500 to $4000 (and choices are extremely limited). I can almost guarantee you my insurance company will be paying twice, three times or more than that amount for my hospital birth plus all of the doctor's fees and whatnot (A quick google search says the average hospital cost is $5000 - $7800, not including doctor's fees). The rising cost of insurance could certainly be curbed by insisting that obstetrical costs be lowered and limited to high risk patients. But considering the current lack of coverage for home/birth center fees, somehow I seriously doubt that the insurance companies have 1) figured this out 2) any interest in taking on that battle.

Any other takers? Certainly not pharmaceutical companies. I haven't seen "midwifery" on the career builder list of 'Top Ten Best Paying Jobs' lately.

Hmm... anyone have any other ideas where there money from the Natural ChildBirth "industry" is going? Because if it's that lucrative, I'd love to get in on it.

After my son is born, I will hopefully be more qualified to address the hideous comments made in the article comparing childbirth (purposeful pain) to an appendectomy. For now I shall step down from my soapbox and stow it away until next time.

As you were.