Dear Ricki Lake –

Believing this is actually you who addressed us here on the blog, we contacted your publicist Thea at Fifteen Minutes agency today. We have interest from several major media outlets in hosting a debate with you, to tell the other side of the story about childbirth in America. Your publicist said that you would not be interested in this kind of media coverage – after approximately 30 seconds on the phone, she flatly said no. While we applaud the “party line” that you are just raising awareness and encouraging women to learn more, we would argue that the national perception you’ve created is “home birth = good and hospital = bad.” The is the watered down version of your story that America is hearing. And since you are famous, your voice is heard loud and clear. She said you had already “told your story” and “done your media” when the book came out last month. If you really want to engage American women in understanding how we can collectively improve healthcare for moms and babies, you should join me in telling the WHOLE story, not just your part.