I'm so excited! I just had to post a link to this TIME article! This is a subject I am very passionate about... for obvious reasons. The media is finally putting this information out to the masses! A great step in the right direction! Hopefully we will start seeing more articles like this so less women will fall victim to the system.
TIME C-Section article
:-)
4 weeks ago
5 comments:
My OB encouraged me to attempt a VBAC
when Gavin was born. I pushed, but no go. C.B. was born C-section after
13 hours of labor and it appeared
Gavin required C-Section for the same reason: my pelvis was too narrow.
I think anyone who wants to try VBAC
ought to take into consideration
the reason why a C-Section was necessary the first time. The risk
may be small for uterine rupture--but small won't be much consolation if you or baby end up on the wrong side of the statistics.
Personally, I think the woman in the article is NUTS to think about driving to L.A. from Santa Barbara (having lived there)in labor with a second child to attempt VBAC.
If she's determined, she should induce in L.A.--and there are risks associated with that, too.
No easy choices.
Don't forget... C-sections carry risks too. As you said, the risk may be small -- but it won't be much consolation if you or your baby end up on the wrong side of the statistics. C-sections are JUST as dangerous... if not more so. Childbirth always carries risk, but so do many everyday activities.
It is important that women make educated decisions about their health care... childbirth included. Unfortunately today, many doctors are forcing women into c-sections (some necessary... some not) without being forthcoming of vital information (i.e. statistics, benefits & risks for BOTH VBACs and C-Sections.)
Doctors are fond of saying, "You never get sued for the c-sections you perform.... only the one you don't." This is just sad. Women like me get stuck in the middle.... without our true best interest being taken into account.
I have three kids. My first two were born by c-section for the reason of "baby wouldn't fit". With my 2nd, I tried for a VBAC and pushed and the baby wouldn't come out. With my 3rd, I tried for a VBAC again and the baby came out with only 45 min of pushing. Different baby, different birth.
Nothing was wrong with my pelvis afterall, different baby, different birth, different circumstances. I was glad to not have a 3rd major abdominal operation. Thanks for posting the TIME link
Small risk of rupture with a VBAC-this is true. With a c-section you have risks too. Increased maternal mortality, much higher rate of infection, higher risk of rupture with each pregnancy. With every c-section, the risk increases. It's not a decision to be made lightly on either side. It's always possible to end up on the wrong side of statistics no matter what your choices are. In the end, each person has to do what's best for herself & her baby.
I think it's important for every woman to decide what is best for her, but it's essential that we get accurate info about the risks of both c-sections and VBACs. I drove 40 minutes to find a supportive provider for my VBAC and my recovery was soooo much easier. Thanks for posting the link!
Post a Comment