Just Say No To C-Sections!

[DJgang]

I haven’t had a C-section, but I think that it is VERY important to discuss with your doctor BEFORE your labor and birth process that you want to make every possible attempt to not have a C-section. That’s what I did and she assured me that she wouldn’t do a C-section for any reason other than an emergency, and I believe her.

It’s important to just educate yourself on circumstances that may require a c-section and circumstances that a doctor just may want to go ahead with a c-section for just the sake of it. Education! And so many of us tend to just “do what the doctor says”.

I think Christian4Life just wants everyone to look into the whole C-section deal…look at just the possiblity that doctors are performing them for unnecessary reasons.

 

[bluerose]

Don’t let anyone else tell you what is right for you without looking it up yourself!

But isn’t that what you were…? In the very first post? Never mind…

 

[dwc]

If I hadn’t had a c section my son would have been born dead. His heart rate was in the 50s. Turns out he had a true knot in the cord AND his foot wrapped in the cord. His little brain was starving for oxygen. Sure glad I didn’t overthink that decision.

By the way, in some ways recovery from the c section was much easier than recovery from my 2 vaginal births – one prior to the c section and one VBAC. I had no problems from my section and a huge blessing. I think encouraging women to become fearful and second guess their doctor in what might be their baby’s life and death situation is not helpful.

 

[leaner]

I think encouraging women to become fearful and second guess their doctor in what might be their baby’s life and death situation is not helpful

If you read thru the posts, the general “gist” is to do your homework. Realize that doctors and hospitals have much to gain by recommending an automatic c-section for people who don’t need it (NOT the people who’s kids would be dead…that’s totally beside the point. You needed a c-section; even christian4life said that, so don’t feel attacked about your c-section…there’s nothing to defend) My first section could have been VERY different if anyone had taken the time to actually coach me or even talk to me about any of this – and it was totally my fault for not doing the research ahead of time – had I even a smidgeon of what I know now, it might all have been different…(like a baby’s going to descend when you’re practically inverted??? ) I went 10x further the second labor because I got smart. I didn’t just sched a section. That’s the message that’s being missed here in the “trust don’t trust, screamy-meemy” marathon that has taken off…

People are missing the point – the US has the HIGHEST rate in the world. 1 in 4 births is surgical; do you really think the rate of deaths would be 25% if those sections weren’t performed? So then, if our infant mortality rate wouldn’t be 25%, how is it possible that all those sections are “medically necessary” – many of them are simply “medically convenient” – I think that’s the warning needed.

 

[dwc]

I just reread the entire thread. The statistics on mother’s dying from c sections are exaggerated and overemphasized. If a woman believed and followed some of the posts in this thread she would be scared she was going to die from a c section and delay getting one, even as her baby did without oxygen. I stand by my post.

 

[leaner]

I have to admit, I got lost in the yelling, and personally, don’t believe any statistics unless I trust the source myself – a website titled “I don’t believe doctors.com” is not something I’d trust for statistics…

there is a wonderful website called www.vbac.com has wonderful sources including ACOG and other medical sources, all agreeing that a 23% (their stats) rate is far too high, and indicates many many sections that were medically unnecessary. The desired rate (according to the american college of obs and gyns) is less than HALF the american number…when the obs/gyns are saying that, it should make you stop and think…“who are those other 14% then???”

 

[dwc]

You know, I guess I was lucky with my ob. After my section she sat me down and explained that the only reason for it was baby’s safety and she saw no reason I couldn’t have another vaginal birth. Of course, we knew I could because my oldest was born vaginally. When I had my third, she offered me the option of a repeat section but really encouraged a VBAC. She had kept up with the literature and was able to explain the risks of uterine rupture and how a uterine pressure monitor would be used at the former incision site and give early warning of any trouble. She insisted I have an epidural at the very start of labor so that if the uterine pressure built they could have the baby out by c-section within minutes. I was a little apprehensive, but knew we had a plan and she stayed right there the whole time just in case and everything was great.

Maybe many doctors aren’t as willing to go the extra steps.

 

[sarcophagus]

I think this whole thing is just arguing semantics. Christian4life has her opinions, others have theirs…let each decide what’s best for them when the time comes and be done with it…

 

[wabrams]

KCT:

You know, if you became a childbirth instructor, you could probably reach more people and have more of an impact. —KCT

Yeah, like scaring women who need to have a c-section into not having the procedure done.

 

[wabrams]

leaner:

People are missing the point – the US has the HIGHEST rate in the world. 1 in 4 births is surgical; do you really think the rate of deaths would be 25% if those sections weren’t performed? So then, if our infant mortality rate wouldn’t be 25%, how is it possible that all those sections are “medically necessary” – many of them are simply “medically convenient” – I think that’s the warning needed.

Or could it be we have the highest live birth rate in the world?

 

[kamz]

sarcophagus:

I think this whole thing is just arguing semantics. Christian4life has her opinions, others have theirs…let each decide what’s best for them when the time comes and be done with it…

AMEN :yup: :clapping: :bounce:

 

[leaner]

Or could it be we have the highest live birth rate in the world

Nowhere NEAR it – we rank 185 out of 226 in infant morality rates according to a 2005 report in the www.cia.gov websites “world factbook” – and incidently, the countries doing better than we are have significantly lower c-section rates;

As for maternal mortality rates,
I couldn’t find the actual numbers in the small amount of time I have right now, but this was interesting to me (I had not known this before)
Why Are More American Women Dying?

It is difficult to p(name removed by moderator)oint why more American women are dying before, during, and after giving birth–the data give only the leading or immediate causes of death, not the underlying causes. But if we look at the six leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the US, three–hemorrhage, anesthesia, infection–are often the result of invasive obstetric interventions. (6) For example: Although the immediate cause of death is frequently given as “hemorrhage,” in many cases the hemorrhage is associated with cesarean section (as in the case cited in the first paragraph). There is good research, both in the US and the United Kingdom, showing that the maternal mortality rate for cesarean section is four times higher than for vaginal birth. (7-9) The rate of maternal mortality is still twice as high as for vaginal birth even when the cesarean section is routine or “elective”; that is, when it is not an emergency procedure. With nearly twice as many cesarean sections as are necessary being done today in the US, the procedure could be a significant part of the reason for the country’s rising rate of maternal mortality. (10)

No, I did not double check the references, again…time with two little ones ready for naps…but you can look it up for yourself if you’re interested – I just googled “maternal mortality rate US” and came up with a bunch of info…

So the short answer is, no, we’re not that great in mortality rates for either mom or baby thanks to the rise in c-sections…

 

[kamz]

Well, it still comes down to the doctor and the mother, before you get pregnant, research it, be informed, make a informed decision way before your in labor, let your doc know you don’t want a c-section unless it is a total emergency, make sure you have a doc that supports your views or find someone else, then you know that you can feel good about it.

I totally trusted my doc, he delivered two of my older kids and he is all for natural childbirth, total natural and he brings in a midwife to help etc. but he won’t mess with your life either or your babies and when things look bad he won’t hesitate to tell you so.

I know some docs are more than happy to let a c-section happen if the labor is taking too much time and they are spending “too much time at the hosp” these men and women should find a different profession.

So ladies, be informed, be a voice in your birth decision, look around, ask tons and tons of questions and if your doc doesn’t like all the questions, keep looking until you find someone who does.

Best Wishes

 

[leaner]

So ladies, be informed, be a voice in your birth decision, look around, ask tons and tons of questions and if your doc doesn’t like all the questions, keep looking until you find someone who does.

Couldn’t have said it better myself!!

 

[sarai]

Christian4life:

the woman who came and cleaned my room didn’t even speak english,

I’m HIGHLY offended by this remark!!! What does this statement have to do with c-sections??? I find this remark very derogatory!

 

[turboEDvo]

No C-sections = No me. My head was just too darn big! So, I must say, my prospects look rather grim if my mother had decided not to have a c-section.

Eamon

 

[Murphster]

I am a quadruplet (two sets of identical twins), born in Ireland. Thank GOD for C-sections, or I wouldn’t have been here either.

I was a surprise to my parents. The little runt of the group, if you will They thought they were having triplets, but there I was…crammed way in the back, seemingly underneath my identical sister and the placenta we shared.

I, too, delivered twins. Again, thank God for C-sections. I would not have been able to deliver both girls safely, otherwise.

Just be informed!!! Sheesh.

 

[ktm]

Christian4life:

What they don’t tell you about c-sections can kill you. It is NOT safer than natural births, it’s 4 times more deadly! Your recovery time will be longer, your risks of complications will be worse, and chances are YOU DIDN’T EVEN NEED IT.

Yep, they’ve fooled us all, even me. What they don’t tell you is, if something goes wrong while you are in labor, you CAN sue them for NOT giving you a cesarean. However, you CAN NOT sue them for giving you a c-section. Because when you get one, they make you sign paperwork saying that “since it’s such a dangerous procedure” they can’t be held responsible for what happens to you.

A whopping 1 in 4 births are c-sections here in America! Now that is just rediculous. Some of them happen for reasons that are NOT necessary. Like, the baby is in the wrong position - Lie on your side and she may turn. Labor is taking too long - take a walk! Get a good nurse-midwife and forget the hospital. Your chances of dying, having your baby die, or getting infections is LESS at home!!! Look it up women, and don’t be another c-section statistic!!!

This post is ridiculous. I came into this world via C-section, and thankfully I did or my mom might not have made it.

 

[wabrams]

leaner:

Nowhere NEAR it – we rank 185 out of 226 in infant morality rates according to a 2005 report in the www.cia.gov websites “world factbook” – and incidently, the countries doing better than we are have significantly lower c-section rates;

First off, I all I saw under the entry for the United States in the factbook was 6.5 deaths per 1000 and 14.14 births per 1000. Do you want to provide the direct link where it states “185 out of 226?”

leaner:

As for maternal mortality rates,
I couldn’t find the actual numbers in the small amount of time I have right now, but this was interesting to me (I had not known this before)
Why Are More American Women Dying?

It is difficult to p(name removed by moderator)oint why more American women are dying before, during, and after giving birth–the data give only the leading or immediate causes of death, not the underlying causes. But if we look at the six leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the US, three–hemorrhage, anesthesia, infection–are often the result of invasive obstetric interventions. (6) For example: Although the immediate cause of death is frequently given as “hemorrhage,” in many cases the hemorrhage is associated with cesarean section (as in the case cited in the first paragraph). There is good research, both in the US and the United Kingdom, showing that the maternal mortality rate for cesarean section is four times higher than for vaginal birth. (7-9) The rate of maternal mortality is still twice as high as for vaginal birth even when the cesarean section is routine or “elective”; that is, when it is not an emergency procedure. With nearly twice as many cesarean sections as are necessary being done today in the US, the procedure could be a significant part of the reason for the country’s rising rate of maternal mortality. (10)

Got a link since this a direct copy from an academic article?

leaner:

No, I did not double check the references, again…time with two little ones ready for naps…but you can look it up for yourself if you’re interested – I just googled “maternal mortality rate US” and came up with a bunch of info…

So the short answer is, no, we’re not that great in mortality rates for either mom or baby thanks to the rise in c-sections…

Using that search criteria brings up a lot of links for info on other countries.

 

[leaner]

Sure, the article is from the following individual (I looked his bio up)

Marsden Wagner is by training a pediatrician, neonatologist, and perinatal epidemiologist. He was one of the first physicians to question the indiscriminate use of high-tech procedures during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

In 1979, he became Responsible Officer for Maternal and Child Health for the UN World Health Organization. From this international bully pulpit, Wagner formed the European Perinatal Study Group. Its stated purpose was to evaluate birth services, medical literature, and research in 32 European nations. The result was the landmark 1985 WHO book, Having a Baby in Europe.

Subsequently, under Dr. Wagner’s leadership, the European Regional Office of WHO organized a series of three consensus conferences in collaboration with the Regional Office of the Americas. Held in 1985 and 1986 in North America, South America, and Europe, the conferences evaluated the cost, efficacy, and risk of birth technology.

These meetings and the controversial recommendations they generated have been described in Wagner’s 1994 book Pursuing the Birth Machine. Conference participants issued an extraordinary set of consensus guidelines for appropriate use of perinatal technology. These included not exceeding a cesarean rate of 10 to 15 percent and an induction rate of 10 percent. They also recommended the training and increased use of professional midwives. The conferences’ report concluded by suggesting that certain practices be avoided, including the routine use of electronic fetal monitors, the early rupture of membranes, and the routine administration of analgesics or anesthetics.

Today, Wagner lectures extensively on birth issues and is a consultant to WHO, UNICEF, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. The father of four grown children whom he raised himself, he currently lives in Washington, DC, although he calls Copenhagen home.

COPYRIGHT 1998 Mothering Magazine

And the factbook link…

cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2091rank.html

I think I phrased it backwards – there are over 30 countries that have better rates than us (fewer losses) – ours are 6.85