Not sure if anyone else follows them on FB, but I always find their articles and commentary interesting. I'm working on my birth story now and hope to post soon (my BFF was visiting me for 4 days from Ohio and just left today). I had a big fight for a vaginal birth, and this
article they posted today really hit home for me.
Re: The Unnecesarean
Of course they don't think it's important- their malpractice insurance rates go DOWN when their C-Sec rates go UP. Something is seriously wrong with that fact!
Thankfully, they have just deemed it "safe" to attempt VBACs- which is a step in the right direction. However, until women step up & acknowledge that it's called LABOR for a reason- we will continue to see unnecessary interventions & a high C-sec rate. The two go hand-in-hand, undoubtely.
If you are a mother who believes in the power of your own body- the only thing we can do is continue to tell our own positive birth stories. Until more people jump on board, this sad trend will continue.
There are a lot of hospitals in California (and other states I'm sure) that are trying to become "Mom and Baby Friendly Certified" (I think that's the term). Meaning they like to encourage movement during labor, vaginal birth, and skin to skin for an hour after birth (and delaying weighing and cleaning). This is really new and only a couple of hospitals are actually certified and a few are still trying to get theirs. To me, that just seems like something that should be "the norm" and NOT being Mommy friendly should be looked down upon. You shouldn't have to fight to get the birth you want. If that baby's heart rate goes extremely low or there are other signs of danger obviously a c-section should be suggested. But I have friends who have c-sections recommended to them weeks and even months before birth where there's no signs of distress!
And I was debating the need for interventions during birth with a guy the other day and he actually said that our brains are growing so large due to evolution that womens body's can't keep up with it and that's why doctor's need to use vacuums, forceps, and c-sections to safely deliver babies these days. I couldn't help it, I had to laugh in his face. I love the mentality that some people have that we are simply not capable of delivering babies.
Hmmm, I know you are generalizing, but I was in ACTIVE labor for 28 hours and then NEEDED a C-section if I wanted my daughter to come out healthy/alive. I was complete and ready to push, trust me I did not want a c-section after all that. Just so you're aware that some women don't have a choice.
~Kimberly & Eric~ April 21, 2008 ~Tensing Pen ~ Negril, Jamaica ~ My Blog: One Sunset at a Time
Of course I'm generalizing, Kim. I am more referring to the "too posh to push" & "give me an epi as soon as I hit 38 weeks" crowd. I completely understand that there are extenuating circumstances that can arise- and that is where modern medicine has it's place (in my book, at least). Please know I'm not trying to knock situations like that at all! I'm just promoting awareness for those who do have a choice in the matter.
Although my comments on such topics tend to be VERY soapbox-y...I don't EVER intend to offend...I'm just contributing to the vibrant exchange of ideas on the board.
I don't think they're upset about the idea that someone doesn't want to push and elects to have a c-section, but that this idea that a c-section is better has invaded hospitals all over the country and effects everyone who gives birth in one. I really do think some doctors EXPECT women to want to have c-sections and are more surprised when they don't then when they do. So it's easier to get a c-section then it is to have a vaginal birth and it really should be the other way around- c-sections (and the suggestion to have one) should be reserved for women and babies who are in distress only and a vaginal birth should be suggested.
The good news is, it sounds like hospitals ARE trying to make it this way and that's great! But others are still stuck in the mind set that women NEED help to deliver their babies and that's only fueled by women who believe it themselves. I haven't noticed this problem on this board AT ALL, but among my friends (especially those in San Diego) it's the general mindset.
I know you didn't mean to offend,
like Ashley I am very bitter about having to have one especially after 28 hours of active labor, so when I do read these stories and comments I take it to heart. Just wish I was never in the situation which now does "lump" me into the category, ya know?
~Kimberly & Eric~ April 21, 2008 ~Tensing Pen ~ Negril, Jamaica ~ My Blog: One Sunset at a Time