Do you think doctors are giving c-sections too often?

Kristy - posted on 04/11/2011

I had a voluntary c-section with my daughter b/c I had 3 miscarriages prior to becoming pregnant with her and I was considered high risk. My OB gave me the option of doing it either way and I picked for me what was the safest and non riskiest delivery. I know it was major surgery, but everyone is making it seem like the recovery time is just brutal and it's not. It was a couple of days of painkillers and then I was off of them and just fine. At the same time I was pregnant, I had 3 friends who all were doing vaginal births and had to have emergency c-sections b/c the baby was too big, one baby got stuck in the birth canal and one baby was taking way too long and was in distress. So after hours of laboring, these moms still had to have a c-section anyway and theirs hurt way more than mine. I already had my epidural in place and felt no pain, just pressure. These women all had to be cut with no anesthesia. I made the right decision for me and it doesn't make me a bad person or a bad mother for opting for a c-section. Why would I want to put my baby in distress to be a hero? That's just crazy. I don't need to "feel" pain to experience childbirth. I carried her for 9 mos; I had the nausea, the indigestion, the kicking, etc...I don't need to be ripped in half on no medication to "have the experience". That doesn't make you a better mother; it makes me question your motives. Is it just that you want everyone to know all that you went through to have the baby so you can get a pat on the back for it? That's how these comments sound to me. It's easy to be on the anti-c-section bandwagon if you've never had one. If you have had one and it has been elective, then you totally get that it's easier, safer and not as brutal as people insist. By safer I mean not laboring so long that the baby is in distress and then you require an emergency c-section to save its life. My dr did give me the pros and cons of both and let me make my own decision. I'm a grown adult and feel that it's my decision and my baby was born perfect and healthy with no breathing/lung issues. In fact, she came out screaming bloody murder...she had VERY strong lungs, which is opposite what all the anti elective c-section propoganda tells you. I am due in 24 days with my son and having another voluntary c-section and expect it to go as easily and smoothly as it did with my daughter. I feel no guilt and not bad at all that I elected to have another c-section. My baby will be born stress free in 20 minutes and is strong as an ox in there. I am 43 years old, on my second high risk pregnancy after 6 miscarriages total and don't need to be a hero for anyone. I just felt the need to dispel some of the negativity and self righteousness I am seeing on this thread. It's not about convenience or vanity for me. It's about doing the right thing for my baby's safety and doing what I know my body can handle. What difference does it make how a stranger chooses to give birth to their child, as long as they're not a crackhead or an alcoholic? Too much emphasis is put on busybodies in everyone else's business telling them the supposed right way to do something instead of minding their own business and worrying about themselves. Hope this helps those of you considering elective c-sections...don't listen to the naysayers and all that negativity. You do what's right for you and your baby.

Kristy - posted on 04/11/2011

A, glad to see you had a very peaceful, if not painfree, natural birth. Again, it's each to his own. I choose to do another elective c-section b/c that is the best option for my body and my baby. All of the drugs given during the c-section and painkillers after delivery are all proven to be safe and not harmful to the baby. Otherwise, they wouldn't be giving them to such a huge percentage of women and they would have been recalled long ago. Even the ones I know who had natural birth still opted for the epidural. My baby and I had zero side effects from my epidural, vicodin and percoset. In fact, I weaned myself off my narcotics within 5 days so that I didn't run the risk of becoming addicted to those painkillers. I am proud of myself for not finishing out my prescription or taking it just because it was there. However, with that being said, if other women have a harder or longer time healing from a c-section, then who am I to make them feel bad b/c they're on their painkillers longer than I was? Those of you who had natural, no drug births need to quit trying to make those of us who have c-sections feel less than and like we're not doing the right thing for our children. A, I get the impression you're sitting there passing judgment on those of us who opted for a c-section, epidural and drugs b/c you think we're selfish, as evidenced by your comment "no more was it about MY comfort...." Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you have a c-section, you need a local/epidural b/c you're awake during the procedure. I'm not going to let anyone slice into me without that area being completely deadened. You may have been talking to people with natural childbirth who want the epidural, but I feel like you're trying to make other people feel bad for their decision. How can you have an optimal experience in birthing your child if you are in so much unnecessary pain you're ready to pass out? All you need to do is ask/check with the person administering the epidural and the OB how many epidurals has this person given over the last year? If they do them regularly in a high volume hospital, chances are you are getting someone who knows what they're doing and won't paralyze you. Everyone just likes to hype all the negative stuff all the time. The right decision is what that person feels comfortable with for them and their child. If a person wants to choose c-section over natural, for WHATEVER the reason, they shouldn't be made to feel bad about it. We're all adults here and are able to make informed decisions and many of us have researched it and spoken to our drs about it. I have chosen to vaccinate my daughter even though all the research said you shouldn't with live viruses and I split up her MMR vaccination from the rest due to the autism talk about it and she's just fine. I breastfed her b/c all the research showed I just had to and I had the hardest time doing it. She wouldn't latch on, I had no fat in my milk and it was the most unpleasant experience and not at all the bonding experience I had been told it would be. I then switched to formula feeding and guess what...she survived. She is healthy and happy. So, I have stopped listening to all those other people who keep trying to tell me and everyone else what is best for me and my baby. What do they know? Not much....I tried to do it "their way" and ended up frustrated and completely disillusioned. I just wish the "natural" mothers would quit forcefeeding their propoganda to everyone. I plan to have a c-section with this baby, nurse him for 2 weeks, move to formula and vaccinate him so that he singlehandedly doesn't take down the daycare/school with a Measles epidemic. If you think that makes me a bad parent, then I really don't care. I know I'm a good parent; that's all that matters.

JuLeah - posted on 04/06/2011

Doctors don't always know best, and they don't know your body. Complications happen, often, because the woman is stressed, confussed about what is happening, and not allowed to work with her body to make the birth happen .... flat on her back hooked up to tubes??? WTF? Eating nothing but ice chips??? It is crazy ... and insane that so many women in thie country are taugh that birth is a medical procedure, birth needs to happen in a hospital under a doctors care (when often that is the cause of the complication) - Women don't need to be cut, anywhere, to give birth. Our bodies are designed for this process. Women in America think and episiotomy is a natural part of the process - again WTF???? It is insane how we do things here

Tina - posted on 04/06/2011

With my son I wanted a natural bith only using gas if necessary because I read about the harmful side effects of using other pain relievers and so on. Nothing went to plan and I ended up having an emergency c section. I am pregnant again and will be opting for a c section because it would be safer both for my child and myself. If people are capable of having a natural birth that's great. But I think patients generally opt for a c sections because it's safer for them. After I had my son only about 6 percent of people under 5 foot have a natural birth and most of them are small babies. I am only 4 foot 7 and had a decent size baby there is no way I was going to be able to push him out. I'd been having mild labour pains for about 4 days having been in intense labour for 24 hours I had gas and an epidural right at the end but was only 3cm dialated. I'm just glad I was born in a time where medicine could bring my son into the world safely. But if I were able to give birth naturally I would. Although it's painful it's surprisingly how quickly you get over that pain but with a c section you can't just get up straight away. It's quite depressing when you've finally got your little bundle of joy and you're not able to get up and do the normal motherly things straight away. I don't c sections should be done just because it's conveniant.

JuLeah - posted on 04/05/2011

In America it is common, but in other countrys, kids are often born at home where they belong ... birth is not a medical procedure ....

Lori - posted on 04/11/2011

I'm a mom that has had 5 c-sections. The first, I almost died and that was the only way I was going to deliver. The second, I tried naturally. After 18 hrs of my water breaking, 6 hours of hard labour and only dialating to 2cm they refused to give me any more pain meds nor would they give me an epidural for fear of the scar tearing. I had no support from the hospital to go naturally. In fact they scared me saying I would end up with a hysterectomy because the scar would give out. Third section was planned and the comment during surgery was the Dr.s couldn't find a previous scar, I had healed up that well. The fourth is when I started to feel pressure on the scar and had another section. The fifth, I went to a mid-wife. I'm sooo glad we have them here now. I would recommend going to a mid-wife over a dr. if you have the choice. I did have a c-section, but she was with me the whole time and she supported me through surgery and came to my home afterwards. No Dr. is going to give you the same care. I would have tried to go natural with my third if we had had mid-wives here then.

Yes, there are more sections. Don't be bullied into one. Mom-to-be know there bodies well. If you think you can go natural, do it. If you think you need pain meds to help you deliver better, than do that. C-section should be last choice. Make sure you have a good support system during recovery.

Linda - posted on 04/11/2011

I had 1 Section and 1 natural birth child. I was a nurse and worked in L&D. There were times we nurses would argue with the doctors either for or against a section. After 24 hours you have a very tired Mom & baby and sometimes either may develop difficulties. Time for a secion. 9 months is the average lenght of a pregnancy, the due date is not written in stone. Some women are not told that a secion is major surgery, but a great way to help plan their life. There are sooo many complicatios that can and do happen, recovery is so much longer and their are so many restrictions so that you don't develope much scar tissue. My first was an emg section when I was 2 days over. At that time it was found I had a placentia previa and the placenta was tearing away. Usually this happens at about 7 months. An artery was nicked durning the surgery-not good. My daughter almost was a section because of problems but at the last minute she decided to stop playing around and join the family. Yes, the healing from the tearing was uncomfortable but recovey time was nothng like a section. There is so much more to life than doing everything just because it fits into someones time schedule better. An old saying comes to mind--if it ain't broke, don't fix it!, otherwise,if a section isn't necessary, don't have one.

Sonia - posted on 04/11/2011

I think the sue rate does play into it too Dawn. There's a bit of an overstated fear there of what if, what if, so best control it by taking the baby out surgically. If a Mom really wants to continue to labor and is being pushed into the OR she CAN put her foot down and say 'Am I in immediate danger? Is the baby in immediate danger?... well then I would like to continue with a trial of labor'

Jeannine - posted on 04/11/2011

I was induced for my DS1, as I'm a high risk diabetic. I was induced at 38w gestation and no way would walking around done anything to start labour.. I refused to have a c-section after labour went on to long and my son was getting tired. He was born with other complications (I believe because of pain-relief drugs). Even with saying that He was a healthy boy & had a good birth weight!

Kristy - posted on 04/11/2011

well put Sonia! And no offense taken! :)

Lisa - posted on 04/11/2011

As for the "my body is too ..." to give birth naturally, it is rarely the case. I don't want women to feel guilty for the path their birth took, but just ome perspective on long labors/big babies. I labored for 48 hours with my first (after my water had broken a day prior) and now have a healthy 3 year old. My second was 24 hrs of labor to 9 lb, 4 oz baby. I did not require stitches with either of the births. It can be done, but my midwife was amazing at labor sitting to assist in the birth. An OB will not labor sit, so I recommend a doula if you have to use a medical professional for your birth. Do Not underestimate you power!

Dawn - posted on 04/11/2011

I agree! I think it could be one of two thing; sue rate or they get more money for that kind of delivery.

Sonia - posted on 04/11/2011

It's ok Kristy - You didn't say that in that comment. I exaggerated in a generic sense to make a point, not directing at you at all. I've been reading back too. I REALLY don't like bashing of a Mom's right to choose a C-section and have said that, but I just don't want people to feel like the only way to defend their choice to have a C-section is to bash the choice to opt for natural labor. I think we both agree it's about a choice, an informed choice and doing what is best for you while considering and accepting medical professionals advice. I don't want to guilt ANYONE. Mom's should feel proud of their births and babies no matter how they happen. However this conversation originally started with a question more directed at - are DOCTORS pushing us towards C-sections for their own reasons and that, I think is, is different than a Mom choosing what is right for her and her family. Anyways no offense taken and I hope none taken towards me. I just think Mom's are awesome PERIOD and we all do the best we can, but how much nicer it is when doctor's genuinely help us get to those decisions with OUR best interest at heart and not theirs. (Personally I was honored to have a family doctor like this and now a midwife with this pregnancy).

Chaya - posted on 04/11/2011

I think c-sections have a place in our medical world, but are used at an appalling rate now! if you are pregnant and trying to make a decision, you have to watch 2 movies: Pregnant In America, and The Business Of Being Born. They are both streamable from netflix if you have it. the statistics these documentaries reveal are astounding!

Lisa - posted on 04/11/2011

They are done way too often. An OB is a surgeon and is not in the business of delivering babies I would think people would be more outraged at the c-section rates seeing as the US has such a poor infant mortality rate. I guess more technology doesn't equate to better care in all circumstances. Unfortunately, we have been taught to not trust our bodies and have begun to look at childbirth as a medical condition as apposed to a natural process. I am amazed how many people will recieve care without informed consent. I delivered 2 children with a nurse midwife in a hospital without the aid of painkillers etc. I remember thinking that I could see how c-sections occur with the omunt of epidurals being used, b/c I couldn't igine how one can be in tune with their body and know when to push if they can't fully feel what is going on. I am certain had I went with an OB for care I would have ended up enduced and probably a c-section due to 48 hours of labor and ny side up presentation of both of my children. Instead, I had two beautiful births where I felt very empowered by my ability as a woman! It is a shame that so many women miss out on the opportunity to show their strength.

Kristy - posted on 04/11/2011

Sonia, my apologies if you felt I was saying anyone who did natural childbirth was out of their minds. I never said that. I am trying to take up for the small minority of us on this thread who are being made to feel like we are not good moms b/c of the path we have chosen with a c-section or drugs during birth. If you want natural, great. If you want c-section, great. It just needs to be kept in mind that we all need to be respectful of each other's decisions and quit being judgmental b/c they chose something different than we did. If you look back at the comments, there's a far higher percentage of women on here who have been downright insulting and are bashing those of us who had c-sections b/c they had natural births. It's not their call to make. I respect other people's rights to make their own decision regarding the birth of their child; I would ask that respect to be extended to those of us who chose differently, that's all.

Karen - posted on 04/11/2011

I know I had a c-section because my son's head was too big, they even had to extend the incision for his head to fit. My friend had a c-section because her hips were too small for the baby to fit through. I think from where I am from the first child is last resort for a c-section but for a second child or more it's optional....They let you decide.

Linda - posted on 04/11/2011

i THINK PEOPLE IS STILL USING IT AS A LAST MINUTE RESULT. I NEVER HAD ONE

Aurellia - posted on 04/11/2011

What I have noticed is that in almost all c-section stories I hear the complications that made it so that a c-section was needed were always caused by the doctors. Especially in cases where the birth is induced. Honestly the only time a c-section is actually completely necessary is when there is arm, shoulder or leg presentation, it is difficult but a baby can safely be born bottom first. Now I now that other health risks can arise but they are extremely rare. Birth is a natural, and yes a very difficult process. It is not a crisis nor is it a race to see who can extract the baby first. But we live in a crisis management society and that is how birth is treated in the medical profession.

A random FYI, there aren't many places that will say this out load but the drugs they use for inducement work about as well as any other antiquated "old wives" remedy to cause the same, except that the drugs our doctors use have a bunch of other nasty side effects that can easily make a c-section necessary if you don't happen to go into labor. Talking a nice long walk will do just as much good as those drugs can manage.

Se92084 - posted on 04/11/2011

any good doctor will set up a birth plan with you. But it is all about timing. If your labor has not started on your due date, they will allow you to wait another 2 weeks. Which makes for a 42 week pregnancy. Thats what happened to me. I choose the c-section, b/c my sons head would not fit thru my pelvic structure. He offered to induce me, and to allow me to try to labor him out. But it means that brain damage is possible from the lack of oxygen while he was trapped in the birth canal. And a last minute c-section is way more dangerous then a planned one. I think i picked the safer option for myself and my baby. Its all about what you believe in and how you feel about it. Natural birth runs just as many risks as a c-section. Its something you must go over with your doctor. my son came out perfectly healthy with a 9/9 apgar score. And thats the important thing to me.

Sonia - posted on 04/11/2011

I don't like the demeaning of women who have had C-sections for whatever reason whether by choice or medical necessity but I also really don't like the tones taken on the opposite end that demean women that have had natural labors. It just seems there's an attitude too of 'why on earth would anyone go through labor without drugs!? Drugs are there for a reason they are safe and therefore they SHOULD be used' (by the way I did use one dose of Phentynol with both my labors. I really don't have a problem with the use of drugs at all - just to put this all in perspective)However it's important to respect each other's decisions and encourage each person to make and INFORMED decision because there ARE side effects to everything. These risks involved with the use of drugs are safe in the hospital where they can be managed but (in Canada) the use of drugs is not permitted within the context of home-use because of the risk involved for both mom and baby. So there are for sure some risks but usually these risks are acceptable. But you can't say that there are NO benefits to natural childbirth and those that labor naturally are out of their minds.

Jeannine - posted on 04/11/2011

I had to have 1 for my 2nd son, who was breech (kneeling or sideways). After an unsuccessful EVC there was no other choice. However, they stilled called it an "elective" cesarean. There was nothing elective about it. I was terrified of the recovery, but in the end I'm glad that was the route taken. If you are a first time mom you walk into the dr's and they are the ones that have the knowledge, therefore we trust them to do what's in our best interest. However, YOU are the patient and if you disagree and want a "natural" delivery than YOU need to tell the dr that is what you want. Look at websites that can help you draw up a birth plan that you are comfortable with. If YOU want a natural delivery your doctor needs to know. AND as long as your baby isn't in distress having hours of labor is in fact normal. In the end you need to have communication with your dr and if they don't take into account your thoughts and feelings about how you want to birth your child then find a dr who will give you all options for birthing!

Ethel - posted on 04/11/2011

nower day no body want 2 do natural labour so its kinda easy way out.but the healin process is defferent.4 me nature was the best cuz i dont hav 2 hide my belly.check with ur doc wats best 4 u not wat other people has done

Fran - posted on 04/11/2011

I have had 2 sections, the first was an emergency at 26 weeks due to pre-eclampsia and the 2nd was a planned section at 39 weeks, my choice as having had 1 section already my doctor said I could have a section, I was so glad I did as the chord was wrapped around my son's neck and he needed oxygen to get him breathing. Sometime people can be too judgemental about women who've had sections, it was right for me! I also bottle fed through choice! x

Trisha - posted on 04/11/2011

I've been hearing the same thing. I had to have a c-section with my son. I didn't progress past 2 cm after 12 hrs of labor. My sis just went to the OB 2 weeks ago and they told her that she might just have to have a scheduled c-section. It seems like that's all doctors are doing now days.

Dianna - posted on 04/11/2011

Yes C-Sections are being given way to often and leading to complications such as infections and longer healing times for mothers. I believe they shouldn't be given unless necessary. But you know opinions are opinions. They weren't just given in emergency cases, they were given if labor was over 36 hours at time, or womans hips were very narrow, or some women were scared of a vaginal birth. Yet now adays I hear they are recommended, it ridiculous, who wants a surgery/to be cut open unnecessarily. Woman should really think about this before they do a c-section.

Richela - posted on 04/11/2011

Ricky Lake did a documentary and if I remember right it was called the Business of Being Born. It followed a mid-wife around N.Y. City. It had a lot of good info about having home births. I had 3 home births and they all went really well. The first was three months after being in a car accent and having a skull fracture. I think having home births are a wonderful thing, but know they are not for everyone.

Bobbi-lyn - posted on 04/11/2011

I recently watched a docentroy called Birth and in the US most stars are having what is called designer births. Ware thay pick the day and have a tummy tuck at the same time. I thought it was kinda sad, but I loved the movie!!

La Donna - posted on 04/11/2011

I ended up having a c-section with my first because I had gone 37 hours of labor with only getting to a 4 and 24 hours of that was after they popped my amniotic fluid. I didn't want a c-section but her heart rate was dropping and I wasn't making any progress. Then my other 2 children were also born c-section because in the state I live in mose hospitals don't offer V-BAC and after having my 2nd child I know why. With my 2nd daughter my placenta had gotten attached to the scarring from my first one and when they went to pull it out it started pulling my uterus inside out. If I would have done V-BAC I could have died. I do know some women who schedule c-sections because they don't want to go through the pain of child birth but let me tell ya that pain doesn't last near as long as a c-section. It takes 6 weeks to start feeling less sore and not move so slowly. You feel the entire weight of your body not to mention the pain of the incision not only on the outside but the one on your uterus. So I would recommend only do a c-section if there is no other choice. I feel cheated because some would call me crazy but I wanted that natural child birth experience.

Castanya- Anya - posted on 04/11/2011

I am pregnant with my 3rd, and aiming for a home birth.
My first was induced - enough medical procedure to keep me FAR away from a hospital if possible.
Major surgery is what a C-section is. It is to save lives, in a case of emergency - not a way to make birth convenient. Bringing life into the world, then sustaining it is NEVER convenient!!! :) Add having to heal from surgery? No thanks if I can avoid it.
My babies were 7lbs., and 9.5lbs. I had both naturally, no meds no tearing. I believe keeping your body ready for birth is part of pregnancy. Getting the right muscles ready reduces your chances of being coerced into a birth plan you really don't need/want.
Pregnancy is not a disease or "condition". It is a part of a woman's body function. We are made to do it!
Honest opinion? I think Doctors are doing way too many c-sections for a lot of wrong, unneeded reasons. And I think a lot of sweet ladies will find out that there are long reaching health repercussions they should NOT have to deal with. I find it sad and frustrating.

Richela - posted on 04/11/2011

Yes, way to often. They set you up to have a c-section. You go in and the first thing they do is break your water so if you don't deliver with in so many hours you get a c-section.

Debz - posted on 04/11/2011

I had a normal delivery first time and a section 2nd. The section was due to complications, my daughter was transverse breach, sideways and my pelvis had come apart. I am the only out of my group/pals/ family to have a section.

Sonia - posted on 04/11/2011

I guess to clarify. I'm not saying to phase out the use of drugs, epidurals, etc. I'm just saying I think it's a doctor's job to help educate the mom of both the benefits and risks and give her options rather than just waltz in and announce - it's time for your epidural or - it's been 12 hours and we're heading into the night so it's time to get you into the OR.

Savannah - posted on 04/11/2011

Amen! I could not agree with you more! Mine were medically necessary to save my children's lives as well, but I do get from people "you took the easy way and that's not real childbirth!"

Savannah - posted on 04/11/2011

I can only speak from my experience and in the case of my first birth (my daughter), an emergency C-section was absolutely necessary. I had pre-eclampsia (sp?) and was induced...I never dilated and my baby's heart rate dropped to a dangerous level. So a C-section saved potentially both of our lives. My son was born a year and and 10 months later and I really wanted to have a natural birth because I knew this would likely be my last baby. My Dr. insisted on scheduling a C-section "just in case" I wasn't able to give natural birth. Again, I never dilated and had to go in for the surgery (this time no pre-eclampsia). It turned out to be a good thing because my uterus was so paper thin my Dr. could totally see my babies face thru it and said she and the pediatrician who was also in the room said they were 98% sure my uterus would have ruptured in the induced natural birth. I am certainly not endorsing c-sections as the way to go, but when your child's life is at risk, I for one am sure glad it's an option!

Sonia - posted on 04/11/2011

I'm not saying go back to giving birth in the barn AT ALL. But statistically in other countries like France and the Netherlands where midwives are used more readily and interventions not given the C-section rates are lower and the maternal and infant death rates are lower. It is true though that there IS risk in giving birth, there just is whether it's vaginal, V-bac or C-section and Mother's need to be given permission and room to be involved the decisions surrounding their own health care.

Sonia - posted on 04/11/2011

This is where induction can have so much to do with the C-section rate. Petocin is similar to oxytocin (which the mother's body produces naturally during labor) but it is not the same. The effects of petocin often make contractions so frequent that the baby is constantly being compressed by the uterus leading to a decelerating heart rate and a necessary C-section. Sometimes induction is necessary but often induced babies show themselves to be not as far along as previously thought. In Canada (well BC anyways) V-bac is still encouraged as the best option after a C-section provided there were no complications such as uterine rupture etc. Is it the case that in Dr's are telling women they have to have all C-sections once they have had one?? I have a friend that just delivered V-bac at home with her mid-wife in water. That was an amazing experience for her and one she really wanted and fought for.

Cheryl - posted on 04/11/2011

you ladies have been lucky.that your natural births have been so good. my 4th son had the cord wrapped around his neck 3 times and the nurse realized that when I was pushing that his heart rate dropped. I was killing my child by trying to give him life!! Thankfyully they pulled him out with an emergency C, but they still had to resuscitate him. He had died.. Thankfully he lived and my 9lb,14 oz boy is 14 and alive and kicking. I then CHOSE to have my other 2 by Csec. I am an easy healer so my recovery time was minimal.My Dr wouldnt schedule until 2 weeks before your due date and then only if the baby was already showing to be at 8 pounds. I loved that I had my last 3 this way.My first 3 were natural, no painkillers, nothing, and I think that we have advancements for a reason.. If I were to have another i would have the painkillers.. We arent going back to wagons and horses because our air quality is bad.. We are inventing new things to improve it, so why not help in the Labor of bringing children in?

Jessica - posted on 04/11/2011

YES! My Dr scheduled me to be induced but the pitocin they gave me caused my baby's heartbeat to drop dramatically so they rushed me in for an emergency c-section and knocked me out. When I came to, 2 hours after my son was born I was devastated, especially when I eventually researched this online and I found out that that medicine is known to cause this complication and had the Dr waited a few minutes the heartbeat may have regulated itself, so I went through a c-section and completely missed my son's birth for no good reason. Now if I ever have another child my Dr tells me I will likely have to have another c-section since I already had one. So yes I definately think they are doing c-sections way too often and unnecessarily!

Darlene - posted on 04/11/2011

I had a c section for my second because of complications in my first delivery.

Patricia - posted on 04/11/2011

It is best up to doctor to make that decision. It is something that should be discuss with him/her. C-sections should only be done if the baby is in distress or the mother is having difficulty delivering vaginally.

A - posted on 04/11/2011

Put it this way. We WERE going to the local obgyn/hospital group 2 miles from our house. Then we found out their c-sectinon rate was 48.7%!!! Are you KIDDING me?! So we did some homework. I asked them if they ever did a water-birth. My OB said, "No... I really have no idea about that." So I switched to an amazing midwife group NINETY minutes north of me. (Their c-section rate is 11%.) So- for every appointment we drove 90 minutes each way. Not to mention risking giving birth at exit 148.

In the end we had a drug-free water-birth. We may soon leave the state, but if we're blessed with another child, I will rent a hotel room nearby & come back to have another drug-free water birth with these women.

For anyone wondering- I was all about the epidural before I educated myself on the side effects & possible side effects etc etc. No more was this about MY comfort (and trust me- the pain was shocking!) but instead about the best birth for my son. I don't regret even one moment of it. (Since then I've read that pitocin is being examined as a possible cause of Ausitm in some cases.) Since there "is no such thing as a genetic epidemic", therefore this MUST be an environmental issue, I will keep my kiddo as drug and chemical-free as I possibly can!

Sorry... I could do a serious monologue here- I am very passionate about this!! :)

So yes. WAYYYYY too many interventions. Our bodies, 90% of the time, CAN give birth without help. As my midwife said, "I'M not the one giving birth. YOU are." And she wasn't kidding. As I labored in the water, she was knitting. I loved it.

Sonia - posted on 04/11/2011

I think most of us know a few people that have had a C-section that their Doctor urged them to have that the mom afterwards felt ripped off about because it really wasn't necessary yet at that time and a normal trial of labor was really important to them. During labor it's hard to not just let others make decisions for you. It's hard to think let alone form a question. It's a doctors job to, as much as possible, learn and know the mom's wishes regarding C-sections, episiotomy, drugs etc. and try to help the mom re-evaluate her need or desire for these things during labor while giving her the full scope of her circumstance without judgement. I know at least 5 women who share this experience of feeling 'pressured' into a C-section that wasn't necessary. I think these are the situations that we are talking about when we refer to the rates being too high. Nobody thinks any less of a mom that had a C-section for whatever reason. The end result, after all, is a healthy baby. But for those of us that are interested in a medical experience that functions TRULY on the basis of informed consent where we feel options and risks are truly discussed openly, then when a C-section is the end result the patient feels respected and satisfied with the outcome because her C-section WAS necessary. I think that's what we're talking about here is letting the mom feel like she has the power and the right to make some decisions regarding what is done to her and her baby. I know I'm not completely out in left field here about doctors dishing out C-sections because statistically in the US and Canada C-section rates spike at 5 pm in the evening and 11 pm at night - when doctors want to be getting home for dinner or into bed rather than being up all night waiting for a patient to deliver. That right there shows that the rates are too high for the wrong reasons... but I would hate for any mom on here that has had a C-section or even opted for one to feel demeaned. I just also don't want any mom to feel powerless in her labor and delivery experience because it CAN be amazing.

Emily - posted on 04/11/2011

My doctor gave me the choice. I was induced 12 days after my due date and my daughter wouldn't engage. Her heart rate was dropping each time they tried to increase the Pitocin. They told me we could give it another 24 hours and see what happened. I thought about it for no more than 5 minutes before giving the go ahead. They cannot TELL you to have one unless it is medically necessary. All they can do is extend the offer. If a mother chooses to take it, she has her reasons. If it is medically necessary, who would say no? I personally didn't find it too awful. Certainly, I was laid up longer than my counterparts, but after the delivery my doc said "you know how the women used to go out in the fields and give birth?" I said yeah. His response?? "You would have been one of the ones that died." Glad I opted to save my life and my daughter's!! :)

Ivy - posted on 04/11/2011

I have had 3 c-sections and I wish I would have been able to have a natural birth. My first son was breech and I tried EVERYTHING to get him to turn over. I tried natural techniques, exercises, herbs, acupuncture and finally a version (which was the most painful thing I have ever experienced). He would not turn, The mortality rates for infants who are breech and born vaginally were too high for me to feel comfortable with. My son was born via section healthy and safely. My second pregnancy with my daughter I planned to do a v-bac. Unfortunately I had placenta previa with her as well as polyhydramnios. The polyhydramnios made going into labor dangerous and the previa made delivering her (10 ls 10 days early) impossible. For my third baby this last December I wasn't given an option for safety reasons because of the scarring on my uterus. I have another lovely, healthy son. I never imagined that all of my children would be born this way but I am grateful every day for the fact that they are here and healthy. Years ago, that may not have been possible. I get frustrated by people who demean those who have sections while they are able to labor effectively and deliver their babies. I realize there are some women out there who elect sections for reasons other than health, but don't lump everyone who has them and repeat ones in the same category.

Honor - posted on 04/11/2011

i had to have 3 c sections believe me ifi had had the choice i would have had normal delivery .
unfortunatly it is becoming a normal thing now which annoys me to say the least

Kathleen - posted on 04/11/2011

I had twins and Amanda was sideways. Brandon was trying to come but he was hung up on Amanda. They did a c-sec. They did a c-sec with Caity 6 yrs later which was good because she was 11 lbs 11 ozs.

I think most of it is for conveince. But some are preformed if the littlest problem arises and don't need to be.done. They either want to get it over with or they are worried about being sued. I would rather have a vaginal birth but was unable to. I 'miss' the experience of being able to push and feel their head and see them come out naturally.

Tiffany - posted on 04/11/2011

I agree that many more mothers are having c-sections, but I think that alot of that has to do with our technology being able to foresee problems. For example, I had a c-section. The doc was concerned that my little one had not turned. He sent me to an ultrasound to find out that he was transversal breech (horizontally). He told me that I could have a c-section the following week, or risk birthing naturally and ending up in an emergency c-section. Needless to say, I had my little one a week later.

Christina - posted on 04/11/2011

I had to have a c-section done because of my sons heart rate dropping and the staff couldn't get it to come back up. I was in a military hospital as well. I plan on having a c-section again only because I want my tubes cut so I can't have more children. I don't think a c-section is for everyone but it is what was best for me. It was painful but not as bad as I expected it to be, also I didn't get a real Lamaze class so I did fight the contractions and such and I don't think I would have had the energy to push by then. I don't know for sure. They day I got released I was getting up and down off the floor with no problems (it was easier to have my son lay on the floor on a blanket for diaper changes). If I was planning to have more than one more child I don't think I would opt for another c-section with the next one though unless needed because it can weaken your cervix if you have many done.

[deleted account]

Pride to me personally has nothing to do with how my daughters were born.

Pride to me was holding them for the first time.



Pride was seeing there dad shed a tear for his new daughters.

Pride for us was to see our daughter meet and hold her babysister for the first time.



I don't know what i would of done if she had not of had that moment with her sis.I am so grateful for my c-section.



The best feeling in the world was walking out of that hospital with my partner and our two daughters.:-)We should all be very thankful we were able to do that.

Mariz - posted on 04/11/2011

I just read Kristy Geron's post and I agree 100%!!! This coming from a mom who had her kids born normally because I wasn't given the option to have a c-section. Good thing that I can give birth easily. I was on labor for 6 hours only and pushing for 15 minutes or less for both kids. My kids are big though, so I am really concerned that they might not fit through. I don't want the doctors to crack their collar bones or my pelvis will crack like my friend did or have an emergency c-section and end up with a bad cut/stitches.

Mariz - posted on 04/11/2011

I really don't know why mothers-to-be think of their feeling of pride or success is through having a vaginal birth. I don't know why they don't think of the safety of their child. First, there is fetal distress and second, not being able to fit through the birth canal coz they are too big. I've heard of having to crack their collar bone just to fit through the birth canal. The only advantage of a vaginal birth is their mucus in their mouth, nose will be pushed out. Other than that, vaginal and c-sections are the same. Emergency c-sections are not really good either. You might as well schedule them in advance if the doctor thinks you need to. Why put yourself and the baby at risk.
I had 2 vaginal births and I was healing slower than my friends who had a c-sections.

Cat - posted on 04/11/2011

I think it's all about the convenience for the docs now. Even the TV shows are showing that. Moms who should have had a regular birth are given a bogus reason for a csect and the doc is trying to explain himself on baby story and it's bogus. (For instance, very few twin births are csect necessary, but many are born that way as a convenience for the doc..) Also, prenatal care is given such bogus high standards (I believe we should have care, that's not what I am saying) but that show "I didn't know I was pg" yeah, they lie like crazy on there saying things like "no prenatal care could have caused her baby to have cystic fibrosis" and other GENETIC disorders that may be caught during your prenatal care, but are certainly not caused by it. (Most of us are tested in the first trimester for the CF gene, without that gene, no chance of CF, prenatal care or not...)
I think the medical profession has taken to playing God and acting like they are gods. They think we can't have babies without them, and they've taken over the insurance companies and such so that they choose how and where we give birth and how much control they have over us.

Miriam - posted on 04/11/2011

Watch the business of being born. Its really interesting. Many people forget that hospitals are essentially businesses that can be out to get your money. C-sections are now becoming the norm with nearly almost 50% of births happening via that method. like I said, watch the documentary of The Business Of Being Born. It really is eye opening.



I am not saying that C-sections aren't necessary. They DO have the power to save lives, both mom and baby, but I do think that doctors push mothers to have C-sections when it isn't always URGENTLY NEEDED, or that doctors can make a situation sounds scarier/more serious than what it actually might be.



I'm not saying don't trust your doctors, because there are truly doctors out there that do an amazing job, but just realize that doctors do not ALWAYS know best and sometimes its better to have a 2nd opinion.



I really REALLY REALLY recommend watching The Business of Being Born. It shows you a side of Labor and Delivery that most women wouldn't think of.

Amber - posted on 04/11/2011

I think C Sections have the tag that they are an easy option however i had an emergency section after it was realised that my daughter was too big (9lb 5oz) and my pelvis wasn't big enough to have her naturally after around 14 hours. I am now planning to have a section when i have another baby as i am not physically able to have a baby naturally. Alot of people jump to conclusions when people decide to have them but they are definitely not the easy option but i do think having a section when there is no reason to is very wrong as they can be very traumatic.