C-Sections Causing Women to Die in Childbirth

If you haven’t seen this new report just out, it is definitely worth a read, if you, or anyone you know is considering a Cesarean section. 

If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you know that I gave birth to my first son, Ryan, via c-section.  He was a breech baby, (meaning his feet were down-not the ideal birthing position), and there are hardly any OB’s anymore that will consider attending a birth, when they know the baby is breech presentation, or hospitals that will allow them. 

After trying an external cephalic version, (where the Dr. tries to turn the baby, by massaging the uterus- mother is drugged up!), that failed to turn Ryan, she recommended a C-section. 

At the time, I believed that was really the only option left, so I agreed to it.  Knowing what I know now, there are SO many other options to try.  Hypnosis (which has about an 80% success rate, versus only 60% success rate of the external version), and acupuncture, just to name two other options (which are natural, drug free choices).  At the time though, we made the best decision we could with the information we had.  If you are in a similar situation, I urge you to check out other options.  Despite what even the best doctor will tell you, a C-section is MAJOR abdominal surgery with many risks. 

I was happy to see this article pointing out the REAL-LIFE risks associated with C-sections.  Too many times today we hear in the media about Famous Actress, going in for a C-section, like she is going in for a haircut, and we never hear about increased risk of hemorrhaging, blood vessel blockages and infections. 

It also REALLY bugs me that these articles never point out that Famous Actress has access to nurses, nannies, cooks, and household help, that the average woman does not.  It is a lot easier to recover from major surgery with an army of help at your disposal.  When it is just yourself, and your husband, trying to take care of a newborn, and stay on top of the household, it slows the recovery time down considerably, and leaves you susceptible for incision infections, leading to even more complications.

The media has made C-sections the “trendy,” and preferred way to have a baby.  Not to mention how so many doctors are afraid of being sued, so they just automatically recommend repeat C-sections, and completely disregard the VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) option, which is a very safe option for the majority of women.  Of course C-sections have their place, but when women and doctors choose a C-section merely for the convenience factor, or they are “to posh to push,” they are putting themselves at a higher risk for problems, perhaps even death. 

After seeing this article last night, I also saw it today in my local paper, and the bigger capital city paper that we get.  I hope small steps like this help change the perception that C-sections are safer than vaginal birth, because in general they are not. 

I am also very happy to say, that I was able to have a VBAC birth with Cole.  My local hospital didn’t allow VBAC’s, so we chose another hospital about 10 miles away that did allow women to choose this option.  As my friend Amy says, “Knowledge is Power,” so please educate yourself, and do your own research into the subject if you could be facing a C-section.  All our babies need their mama’s around, and it is so sad when ANY woman dies during childbirth- but it is truly a tragedy if it could have been prevented.