I fell in love with childbirth the first time I witnessed it with my own eyes. I had seen kittens and puppies be born before and thought it a glorious thing, but when I helped my sister bring my nephew into the world on that warm summer day in 2000, I knew I had witnessed a miracle. I knew I had watched a rite of passage like none other possible in life, and while I didn’t think at that time I would be a mother, I was glad to be a woman.
When I prepared for my own daughter’s birth I did everything I thought I should do. I did prenatal yoga and walked. I ate a healthful diet and kept my weight gain to a minimum. I took my vitamins. I chose a practice with all women (7 of them) obstetricians and never missed an appointment. I attended every session of the childbirth classes held at the hospital. I wrote a birth plan that outlined the process that I hoped would be my natural vaginal birth and gave it to the doctors. I did everything I knew to do to insure that I would experience birth in the most natural form. The way I felt nature/God intended in most cases.
Then, on the day I turned 38 weeks I was given my 7th ultrasound in my pregnancy to check on the size of my baby. They estimated her to be upwards of ten pounds. The doctor I saw that day said that if I had any hope of giving birth vaginally I would need to go in that night to be induced. I agreed because I wanted a vaginal birth. I called my family and packed my bags. We got to the hospital and as soon as the doctor on call (different from the doctor who recommended the induction) read my chart she ordered another ultrasound. She then explained to us that she believed that my baby being upwards of ten pounds was too large to risk a vaginal birth. She gave us a list of possible complications if we did indeed choose to attempt a vaginal birth – shoulder dystocia, cerebral palsy, brain damage, death. The doctor left the room for us to make our decision. I looked at my husband and sister in uncontrollable tears. We all thought that there was only one thing to do. I consented to have a surgical birth.
My daughter was born 8 pounds and 13 ounces 20.5 inches long. I immediately felt like I had been played. Then, as complications arose for the both of us from the surgery, including a five night hospital stay, I knew in my heart that I had made the wrong choice. I now know that surgery was unnecessary and have had it most likely confirmed so by another obstetrician. At this point, I became passionate about childbirth, and have since set out to educate myself and anyone that was looking for answers on the topic.
While cesarean section is a blessing for many mothers and babies, as it was in the case of my second birth, when it is necessary because of a medical complication, the practice in this country is obviously being abused putting in danger mothers and their babies.
In the United States the cesarean rate is 31.8%. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that to remain within a healthy range no country should exceed 10-15%. That means that the US has doubled that recommendation. It has increased 48% since 1996. Why?
There are many speculations as to why, however there are some things we can be sure of, the first being elective cesarean surgery. With rumors of celebrities scheduling their surgical births, women wanting to plan ahead to avoid certain days and times to give birth, and others misinformed and afraid of a vaginal delivery, it has become possible for many women to just choose surgery. I believe convenience for the obstetrician plays into this as well. They don’t have to be on call or wait on a long labor. Not only does this seem more convenient for some, but it is also more money in the pockets of the doctors and hospitals.
The other large reason is malpractice lawsuits and insurance companies. Doctors fear being sued, which I think might play a part in many of the cases of recommended c-sections for a large baby.
Then, there is the cascade of medical interventions most often starting with an induction and leading to a c-section. A labor brought on by chemical induction is much more intense than regular labor brought on by natural hormones released from both the mother and baby. This often leads to an epidural and the mother growing tired sooner. It is also more likely to cause a baby to go into distress. A natural labor for a first time mother can easily last twelve hours or longer and be completely safe. Induction brings on hard contractions much sooner. It is not as gradual a process as natural labor.
Why do we consent to these things? Some of you may even be wondering why I’m concerned at all with any of this. It is because we are misinformed and left in the dark by the health care practitioners we are trusting to deliver us safely through our pregnancies and birthing experiences. It is because for me ignorance was not bliss and has had lasting health complications for both myself and Deladis. I wish I had known to know better. I wish what I know now was common information and not something you have to search for. I wish all women had the means to inform themselves and were respected by their practitioners.
So, you have the right to know this (whatever your choice is)…
1. A c-section is a major abdominal surgery.
2. C-section surgery poses risks to the mother including infection and hemorrhage among others that are 2 to 4 times more than a vaginal birth.
3. C-section surgery can delay mother and infant bonding due to post-op regulations in the hospital and the delay of natural bonding hormones.
4. Babies born via c-section are more likely to have allergies and have issues breathing at birth. A c-section also runs the risk of babies being cut by a scalpel during surgery.
5. The “big baby” reason is a myth. Ultrasounds are notoriously wrong the later you are in your pregnancy at determining the size of your baby. Unless you have had the rickets or your pelvis is knowingly deformed in some way, there is no reason to think that your pelvis would not accommodate the size of your baby.
6. You have the right to refuse cesarean surgery or any other medical intervention you feel is unnecessary. (Barring any medical emergency, this is your safest option).
7. You have the right to be fully informed of all the pros and cons of any medical intervention before making your decision.
8. You are more likely to experience a c-section if you have private insurance and private doctor.
9. If you become uncomfortable with you health care provider, you have the right to change. (Check with your private insurance companies as to their date requirements, but in most cases arrangements can be made.) You also have the right to a second opinion.
10. Homebirth with a midwife is available in most states and is the safest option of vaginal birth. Midwives generally have better birth outcomes than obstetricians who are trained to look for an emergency not normal vaginal birth.
11. VBAC is safer than repeat c-section.
Please take the time to inform yourself. Start by visiting some of the links provided in this article and watching this short film. Then, I recommend you watch Ricki Lake’s, The Business of Being Born. If you are then inspired to learn more, please feel free to email me and I can recommend more websites and books to help you avoid or prepare for your necessary c-section. You have been given a glorious gift of pregnancy and the opportunity to give birth. Take it into your hands. Make it a peaceful place for you no matter than manner of delivery.
A Mountain Mama - East Kentucky Gal 
8 comments
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January 8, 2010 at 2:08 am
madgebaby
I had two Cesarean births and frankly I’m grateful for them. I had medical complications that warranted the first, and the second was done because the only option for this was homebirth and I wasn’t willing to take on those risks. in that birth my cord was in a full overhand knot and of course we didn’t know that in advance but a vaginal birth could have been a tragedy. Of course vaginal birth is ideal, but too many women (myself included) beat themselves up about not reaching this ideal and that does more to impair the mother child relationship than does the surgery.
I’m wondering if there are any studies that compare healthy, uncomplicated vaginal births with healthy, uncomplicated Cesarean births. If all vaginal births are compared with all Cesarean births, it’s like comparing apples to oranges because there are likely risk factors in a Cesarean birth.
January 8, 2010 at 3:45 pm
eastkentuckygal
I completely understand being grateful for a cesarean birth in the case of medical complications for either mother or child. I hope I made that clear in the article. I have also had to c-sections. The second was necessary and I am thankful for that. Because of that surgery my baby is alive and healthy. It was also uncomplicated and much easier to heal from than the first. So, I’m not saying that women should beat themselves up for not having vaginal births, and I hope it doesn’t sound that way. That just isn’t healthy. What is important however is that the procedure is to be used in medical situations. Most of the time, birth is not a medical situation, disease, or illness, yet it is treated as such. And sure, sometimes there are things we won’t know ahead of time in birthing, but the vast majority of the time if you are in the care of a caring professional complications can be detected in time to get you the help you need. My second baby had her cord wrapped around her arm so many times that it shortened it extensively. That we couldn’t have known going into it. I also think it is important for women to know what a c-section is and the risks that are involved before agreeing to a surgery. Too many women, such as myself, don’t/didn’t know their rights going into birthing, and are not fully informed about the decisions they are forced to make. This article is to help women become fully informed so that they can try to avoid a surgery and prepare for a possible surgical birth. My education the second time around made my c-section a much better experience than the first.
As for the studies, I’m not sure. I still think it is comparing apples to oranges because it is such a different start to life. Vaginal birth jumpstarts a baby’s immune system, begins the healthy flow of spinal fluid in their spinal cord, and helps release fluid in a baby’s lungs. A c-section birth complicated or not does not do those things for a baby and therefore while it might be the best start for that particular situation (as it was in my second birth) it is not the best start for a baby facing no medical complications.
I appreciate your comment. It is important to hear from all viewpoints in issues like this and have discussion. This is an article explaining that we have the right to be fully informed, and that helps.
January 8, 2010 at 5:05 pm
deborah
these are excellent points. when i was pregnant you gave me a lot of information that helped me make better choices about childbirth. when we went in to be induced (went 2 weeks over our due date) things started happening very fast , as the nurses and doctors are trained to get things done quickly and smoothly.. but it was good to be armed with the info that you can refuse things and to have some understanding of why they are done. i found that when i voiced my concerns and desires that they were respected. i really, really recommend using a mifwife when possible because the care is amazing and woman/baby centered. i think that made a lot of difference. we haven’t been pressured to use formula even though our daughter is very small for her age, and have continuing breastfeeding support.
January 9, 2010 at 1:46 am
eastkentuckygal
Thanks for commenting Deborah! I’m glad it went well for you. I think information and knowing what is happening with your body and your baby is the key here. In your case, you needed an intervention, and you were prepared for that. It makes for a much more positive experience. Thanks for sharing that. 🙂
Also, I have to second your recommendation. My midwife with Ivy was nothing short of amazing. The care was completely holistic and never once was I in fear with her. She bent backwards for me, and I will never forget it. I do believe midwifery care being the primary mode of prenatal care in this country would really help things out. They are trained thoroughly in vaginal birthing and can handle many situations that OBs run to interventions for. They see the whole picture and are not simply looking for medical issues to “doctor”. I wish there were more in KY serving women both at home and in the hospitals.
January 12, 2010 at 11:59 pm
mommymystic
good for you for highlighting this issue, you are so right…my first birth was vaginal but second was twins with one breach and so a scheduled c-section, and i was fine with it under those circumstances, so i do think it is necessary at times, and i was very grateful in those circumstances, BUT I know so many women who feel like they were pushed into it, or who did it because they thought it would be ‘easier’ (have to laugh on that one, having had both)…on the other hand, i do think birth is just one small little part of the mothering experience and feel bad for women who have a hard time letting go of their disappointment when things don’t go as planned…I think healing after the fact, and letting go, are just as important…
January 13, 2010 at 8:54 pm
eastkentuckygal
Healing is very important and sometimes very hard to do in the case of traumatic birth. But, it is such a blessing – the journey. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate your words.
January 13, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Michelle
I read your C-section saga and want to say I had the exact same experience. I felt as if I had been coerced or “guilted” into opting for a C-Section with my second child. I was told she was “over 10 lbs” (she was 9.5 lbs) and that because I was narrow-hipped, and they couldn’t see how big her head was in the ultrasound (since she was so low in my pelvis) it would be possible that she could get stuck and I’d have to have a C anyhow. The same terror threat of complications should something “go wrong” – shoulder dysplasia, CP, etc, etc. One doctor told me all this, the other one said he thought I could try vaginal and be fine. My husband coerced me as well since he was freaked about the complications – although it was easy for him to say, “I think you should do it!” since I was the one having abdominal surgery. I should have trusted Dr. Two, and trusted myself, but opted for the C for the safety of my daughter.
It was most likely unnecessary, because my third child, a son born VBAC with no painkillers about 17 months later, had a pretty large 95th percentile head circumference, with a birth weight of 9 lbs. And I only pushed for about an hour with him. His birth and my recovery from it was the easiest of my three, primarily because it was all natural. (The birth of my first daughter included Pitosin to induce me, an epidural for pain, and an episiotomy – resulting in a tough recovery, but not as hard as the recovery from the C-section/abdominal surgery.)
Luckily, neither I nor my daughter had any complications from the C. But, I do regret it. It was 13 years ago. I’ve become a yoga teacher since then, and as a result am fairly well-attuned to my body; having essentially every muscle and nerve cut in my lower abdominals DOES affect you more than you realize. You are essentially “cut” from all sensation below and around the incision, and it takes many, many years and a lot of body work to reconnect and re-establish the connection to the pelvis. Women especially need to be able to keep the pelvis open and energetically “alive” – it is the seat of much of our strength, health and well-being, especially as we age.
So, yes, know the facts – and trust your intuition. Not all C sections are necessary!
January 13, 2010 at 8:56 pm
eastkentuckygal
Thank you for commenting. I’m sorry you had to experience that. It is major abdominal surgery. It was amazing though, as you have experienced, to watch my sister get up and tend to her baby just an hour after giving birth with such joy on her face instead of the grimace of pain. Yes, I experienced great joy as well, and I am grateful. But, I have to say that from my understanding of things vaginal birth is much easier to heal from.