Only 8% of OBs would choose a c-section for themselves or their partners.

[Birthkeeper]

Shouldn't that tell women something? This statement was made in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada.

It can be found here.

" 42 per cent of obstetricians were in favour of a woman's right to choose a C-section without medical indication, but only 21 per cent of obstetricians agreed with the statement that a C-section is as safe as a vaginal birth for women, and only eight per cent would choose C-section over vaginal delivery for themselves or their partners."

Since I am regarded as "simply a Midwife", who has never gone to medical school, shouldn't THIS tell women something? Only 1/4 of OBs would say that a cesarean is as safe as a vaginal birth for women, and only EIGHT percent say that they would choose a cesarean over a vaginal birth for themselves or their partners.

Cesareans are NOT safe. They are NOT healthy for mom and baby, and they DO come with major risks and side effects ... both short and long term.

The vast majority of women ( up to 94% ) would go on to have a normal, vaginal delivery if interventions were not present. However, with such HIGH rates of induction, augmentation, epidurals and other interventions, it's not a shocker that our cesarean rates are so high. I just wish that women would realize that it wasn't their body's fault ( Failure to progress, hips too small, etc ), and it wasn't their baby's fault ( too big, sunny side up, etc ), it was the fault of the care provider and the interventions that were allowed.

Things to avoid:

• Induction
• Augmentation ( we're going to add a little pit to get you moving faster )
  
• AROM - Artificial Rupture of Membranes ( ie, doctor breaks your water )
• Laboring in bed, immobile.
  
• Epidural
• Other labor narcotics
• Pushing when directed to, rather than when your body tells you to
  
• Pushing on your back with legs held up or in stirrups
• The hospital altogether.  ;)
  

[reflect1light]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 1:16 PM

interesting that they are so willing to do them on other women but wouldn't have one for their wives, huh?

Thanks!

[Hottubgodess]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 12:39 PM

Thank you for putting that out there!  Wow.........

[jlry_ldy]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 2:38 PM

My next birth will be at home (if I end up having another one). My first was full of interventions, no c-section. I hated it.

My second birth was natural at the hospital. It was wonderful! Granted, it hurt right at the end (pushing and that ring of fire was no joke! lol), but it was such a beautiful experience. I loved it all.

That should say something! That should say a lot! I have heard some women in real life and on this site wanting a c-section rather than a vaginal birth.

A friend of mine had one, because her baby was breech (hospital policy and she didn't even know you could deliver a breech baby vaginally....neither did I....I had my baby after her), and the recovery was no joke.

Voted popular!

[caitxrawks]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 3:42 PM

I had an epidural, labored in bed, the doctor broke my water, I was induced, given pitocin, began pushing when they told me to but was allowed to push whenever I needed to after that, and...yeah. I still had a near-perfect vaginal delivery without any complications. My daughter scored a 9 on the Apgar and was perfect when she came out.

 

Not all of us have horror stories to tell about hospitals. Jeez.

[breezybabes20]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 4:03 PM

I have to agree with Cait.

My first born was a C-section, after my labor ceased at 5 cm, for over 24, I had my C-section at my 38th hour of labor. My recovery was a bit bumpy because of the extended labor, but I had no reprocussions.

My second was a planned C-section, with better recovery.

I have no medical problems, My scar is hardly visible, and I have to healthy, happy babies.

Of course, surgery has horror stories, but I wouldn't change my experiences or my choice. I'm happy with my planned C-section.

[Birthkeeper]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Cait - except your baby *did* have the horror story. You drugged your baby. You forced your baby to come out before (s)he was ready.

You drugged your baby, and put your baby through hell while you were numb. Not a nice way to start life outside the womb.

(Original Poster)

[Birthkeeper]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 4:32 PM

People rarely think of what their babies go through.

Breezy, you could have had your baby vaginally. Labors don't get to 5cm and then stop. There's usually a reason for it.

I'm sorry you consented to your second baby being cut out of your body, instead of being born in a safe, healthy manner.

(Original Poster)

[Birthkeeper]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 4:34 PM

And what's funny is - this journal was 99% article, done by Obstetricians themselves who admit that surgery is not the safest or healthiest way to go.

You don't have to listen to me. But you SHOULD listen to what OBs are saying about it ... since they are the ones performing the surgeries. When only 8% of them would choose a cesarean delivery for themselves or their partners .... that leaves 92% of them that know it's not a good way to go. For mom OR baby.

(Original Poster)

[elleinad]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 4:52 PM

Let's not forget that pitocin is NOT APPROVED for use to induce labor and makes contractions more painful for the baby and allow less oxygen to get to baby in labor.

[Birthkeeper]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 4:56 PM

Ellein - absolutely.

Pitocin is not approved by the FDA for induction of labor, because of what it does to babies. You literally put your baby through the wringer when you opt for induction of labor.

Then add the drugs from an epidural, have someone remove all of the fluid and cushion from in between the baby's head and your boney pelvis - it's a horrific thing to put a baby through.

(Original Poster)