National C-Sec Rate at 30% - It's normal

[LeosMama]

http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs....511220316/1002

[honeybee]

UGGGGHHHHHH!

How is a c-section "shifting risk from baby to mom"?? C-sections are riskier for babies, too! Just because neonatal care is better able to save a baby doesn't make the c-section itself "less risky."

And doesn't anyone realize that basing medical decisions on what's most legally defensible rather than what's been scientifically proven to have the best outcomes is morally reprehensible??

[LeosMama]

And how does being cut open provide for the best outcome?
Breastfeeding? What about the hormone flush for the mother? What about the triggers of being pushed through the vagina that helps the baby's systems operate on their own? Resuscitation isn't only caused by the baby having been in distress. It's also b/c the baby hasn't been squeezed through the vagina, signaling the time to breath and function independently.
Argh. I could go on and on.

[aprilushka]

Originally Posted by honeybee

UGGGGHHHHHH!

How is a c-section "shifting risk from baby to mom"?? C-sections are riskier for babies, too! Just because neonatal care is better able to save a baby doesn't make the c-section itself "less risky."

And doesn't anyone realize that basing medical decisions on what's most legally defensible rather than what's been scientifically proven to have the best outcomes is morally reprehensible??

Not to mention the risks it puts on all subsequent babies.

But of course, c-sec proponents also generally think having more than 2 kids is irresponsible.

[cottonwood]

The article itself wasn't bad -- for instance, instead of saying or implying (like these stories usually do) that the risks of VBACs are higher than for cesareans (which is only true under specific conditions), it says that the reason for the drop in VBACs is the perception that they are risky. Subtle difference, but important, so good for Mr. Darst.

This was the part that made me roll my eyes:

"Pat Bohling-Smith, director of family and women's services at PVH, agreed that the C-section trend is unlikely to turn around. But she said it wasn't because doctors were being "overly aggressive." "

She's speaking out of her ass. Clearly this is not an issue she's put much thought into, as she is apparently unaware of how few doctors are left who will even consider doing a VBAC. When you tell someone that they can't plan for a VBAC at their hospital -- and when either the legal climate or medical needs prevent them from having a homebirth -- personally, I'd call that "aggressive".

[applejuice]

Doctors are pushing for more caesareans all of the time.

The doctors feel more in control of the process when they can simply wheel the mother in on schedule and remove the baby when they feel like it.

Women do not trust their bodies and the medical profession feeds on this.

Insurance companies need to encourage vaginal and VBACs more and reimburse for homebirths, and limit reimbursement for caesareans...

Somewhere, the change needs to happen.

I have had my four children at home. I was born at home. I have taught homebirth classes.

I feel as though I have failed.

[applejuice]

Let me add that my DD is 25 years old and every single one of her friends who has become a mother has had a caesarean section...

She does not want any children despite the example I set for her. My own sisters who became mothers, three of them, each had all of their children by caesarean section.

I cannot do more than I already have done.

[mamaverdi]

Applejuice, you have not failed. The system is failing. Everytime I see a story on the news about another OB going out of business, I do the happy dance.

mv