Sunday, June 23, 2013

Life's circle

Recently I have learned more about cesarean section and repeated pregnancies. I have a friend whose cousin just died due to repeated cesarean risks. She had 5 c-sections, the fifth one had complications. She had placenta previa - the placenta attaches to the cervix or c-section scar. She also had placenta accretia - where the placenta grows through the uterine wall and attaches to other organs. These are very dangerous conditions. She was on bed rest and they did an early c-section to hopefully avoid death, but that didn't happen. Her heart stopped in the operating room, they revived her, but on the way to icu it stopped again and the doctors were not able to bring her back. This is very sad to hear, but those are the risks. The family knew about this early on and were given a decision to abort or to have her on hospital bed rest. they chose hospital bed rest knowing the full amount of the risks.
I am pro life, but I want to educate which is part of the reason I became a doula and I am becoming a midwife. I believe Cesarean sections are way to overused especially elective c-sections. I understand there are times it is needed like when the baby is stuck and her heart rate is really decelerating, but then there are doctors like the one supporting my midwife who try to scare you into a c-section.
Be informed!! ask questions including what would happen if you choose not to consent to c-section and fight as hard as you can, don't do elective c-section just because you don't want to experience pain because honey you will. c-section is abdominal surgery and you will be in pain no matter what.
If you decide that a c-section is necessary because of the information the doctors and nurses have given you then more power to you. You got informed and you know the risks.
We women are strong and powerful and we can give birth. Don't let anyone take that away from you.