Did you see this article, fresh off the presses, about the increase in C-sections in the U.S.?
Devastating statistics...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
My Rugrats
Benjamin - 12 years old
Addison - 6 years old
Jack - 4 years old
Carter - 3 years old
Mallorie ~ 1 Year Old
Subscribe To
Posts
Comments
15% Off on New Flexi-clip Line!
Today Only! 1/18/13
Blogs I Read
2 comments:
Honestly, I think they're much higher than what's being reported. My two sisters-in-law each had a baby within 4 months before my own homebirth. One was having a repeat C-section, the other one had an induction that failed to progress and ended up in a C-section too. I don't think weight or size has anything to do with C-sections (one is close to 100 pounds, another is hanging around 300). But between the 3 of us, that makes a 66% C-section rate... or if you count SIL's first birth, that's 75%.
I honestly believe if you go to the hospital for a birth, you're essentially ASKING for a C-section. They will find a way to give you one, they will not help you overcome the problem or hiccups. In my own case, Caleb was "stuck" and any doctor would have easily thrown up his hands and say "sorry, we gotta cut this baby out." Instead, my midwife was saying, "let's try this position, let's move this way, let me push your hips." Caleb wasn't really stuck, I just needed a more optimal position.
I also feel the leading contribution to C-sections is doctor's inability to wait. They somehow decide babies need to come out at no later than one day after 40 weeks. Some cheerfully toss out 39, 38, 37 weeks. Baby not here yet? Uh oh, we better give you some pitocin. Too painful? How about an epidural. Hmm, you don't seem to be laboring anymore... slicey dicey time!
I'm SO glad I didn't have a 40 week deadline, (more like 42 was my midwife's legal limit... but she looks for ways to add to the date if needed). Caleb was only 7 and a half pounds at 10 days "over"due. If he had been born at 40 weeks, he'd probably be struggling to make it to 6 pounds.
I agree 100%, Leah. If c-sections were performed solely for emergency medical situations, the rate would probably be below 5%. Providing education and awareness and empowering women about their bodies and their birth experience...this is how to bring solutions...and healing.
Post a Comment